Set in WWII Denmark, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry explores themes of courage, hope, and sacrifice through Annemarie Johansen’s family and their role in resisting Nazi occupation.
1.1 Overview of the Novel
Number the Stars is a historical fiction novel by Lois Lowry, set in Copenhagen during WWII. It follows Annemarie Johansen and her family as they assist their Jewish friends, the Rosens, evade Nazi persecution. The story highlights courage, sacrifice, and resilience, blending suspense with emotional depth to portray the human spirit during wartime.
1.2 Author Background: Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry is a celebrated American author, best known for her young adult and children’s literature. Born in 1937, Lowry’s works often explore complex themes like courage, identity, and moral dilemmas. Number the Stars, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1990, reflects her ability to weave historical events into compelling narratives for young readers. Her writing style is both accessible and profound, making her a beloved figure in contemporary literature.
1.3 Historical Context: WWII and Denmark
During WWII, Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. While the occupation was initially relatively mild, the Nazis tightened their grip, targeting Jewish citizens. The Danish Resistance played a pivotal role in rescuing Jews, smuggling many to safety in Sweden. This bravery and solidarity form the backdrop of Number the Stars, highlighting Denmark’s unique response to Nazi oppression and the resilience of its people.
Plot Summary
Number the Stars follows Annemarie Johansen in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape. The story explores her family’s risky role in the Danish Resistance, highlighting suspense, danger, and the ultimate triumph of courage.
2.1 Setting: Copenhagen During Nazi Occupation
The story unfolds in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II, under Nazi occupation. The city’s atmosphere is tense, with soldiers patrolling streets, curfews enforced, and fear pervasive. The setting highlights the Danish people’s quiet resistance, as they find ways to defy Nazi rule while maintaining their culture and community. The Johansen family’s apartment becomes a sanctuary for Ellen, symbolizing hope amidst oppression.
2.2 Main Characters: Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen
Annemarie Johansen, a young Danish girl, and Ellen Rosen, her Jewish friend, are central to the story. Their friendship deepens as Ellen seeks refuge with Annemarie’s family to escape Nazi persecution. Annemarie’s courage and Ellen’s quiet strength highlight their bond and resilience in the face of war and oppression, driving the novel’s emotional core.
2.3 Key Events: The Johansen Family’s Role in the Resistance
The Johansen family risks everything to protect Ellen and other Jews, showcasing their bravery. Peter, a Resistance fighter, helps smuggle individuals to safety, while Annemarie’s family hides Ellen, highlighting their courage and the dangers faced by those opposing Nazi rule. Their actions embody the spirit of resistance during WWII’s darkest days.
Character Analysis
Annemarie evolves from innocence to courage, while Ellen’s identity and survival struggles resonate deeply. Peter’s enigmatic role in the Resistance adds complexity to the narrative.
3.1 Annemarie Johansen: Courage and Growth
Annemarie begins as a naive child but matures into a brave young girl. Her journey from fear to courage is central to the story, as she learns to confront danger and protect others, showcasing her growth and resilience during wartime challenges in Denmark.
3.2 Ellen Rosen: Identity and Survival
Ellen’s Jewish identity puts her in peril, forcing her to hide her faith. Her journey reflects the struggle to maintain one’s self amidst danger. Annemarie’s friendship and the Johansen family’s support highlight Ellen’s resilience, as she navigates the challenges of survival and preserving her identity during Nazi occupation in Denmark.
3.3 Peter Neilsen: The Enigmatic Resistance Fighter
Peter Neilsen is a mysterious figure in the Danish resistance, whose calm demeanor and secretive nature intrigue Annemarie. His risky actions inspire awe, while his deep commitment to the cause highlights the sacrifices made by ordinary people in extraordinary times, embodying courage and the fight against oppression during WWII.
Themes
The novel explores themes of courage and sacrifice, hope and resilience, and identity and belonging. It highlights the moral dilemmas of war, the power of ordinary people in extraordinary times, and the enduring strength of humanity amidst oppression, reflecting the broader human experience during WWII.
4;1 Courage and Sacrifice
Courage and Sacrifice are central themes in Number the Stars. Annemarie and her family risk their lives to protect Ellen, showcasing extraordinary bravery. Their actions exemplify sacrifice, as they endanger their own safety to save others. This theme highlights the moral strength and resilience of ordinary people during wartime, inspiring hope and perseverance.
4.2 Hope and Resilience
Hope and Resilience are vital in Number the Stars. Amidst Nazi occupation, characters like Annemarie and Ellen find strength in their belief in a better future. Their resilience inspires others, showing how hope can sustain people through adversity, fostering unity and determination in the face of overwhelming challenges and uncertainty.
4.3 Identity and Belonging
Identity and belonging are central themes in Number the Stars. Ellen’s Jewish heritage forces her to hide her true self, while Annemarie discovers her own identity through courage and loyalty. The novel highlights how belonging to a community can provide strength, even in the face of oppression, fostering unity and resilience.
Symbolism and Literary Devices
In Number the Stars, Lowry uses symbolism and suspense to create tension. The star symbolizes hope, while foreshadowing builds anticipation, immersing readers in the emotional journey.
5.1 The Star as a Symbol of Hope
The star in Number the Stars embodies hope and resilience. It guides Ellen and Annemarie, symbolizing light in darkness. The star represents divine presence and the enduring promise of liberation, inspiring courage amid despair and uniting characters in their quest for freedom and survival during WWII.
5.2 Foreshadowing and Suspense
Lois Lowry masterfully uses foreshadowing to create suspense, hinting at dangers through Ellen’s precarious situation and the Resistance’s risky activities. Tense moments, like soldiers searching the Johansens’ home, heighten anxiety, while the family’s narrow escapes grip readers, underscoring the peril of their mission to protect Ellen and defy the Nazi regime.
5.3 Imagery and Point of View
Lois Lowry employs vivid imagery to create a tense atmosphere, immersing readers in wartime Denmark. The story’s third-person limited point of view, centered on Annemarie, personalizes the narrative, allowing readers to experience her emotions and dilemmas firsthand. This perspective enhances the emotional depth and underscores the characters’ resilience amidst danger and uncertainty.
Historical Context
Number the Stars is set during World War II, focusing on Denmark under Nazi occupation. The novel highlights the Danish Resistance’s efforts to protect Jewish citizens, reflecting real historical events and the bravery of ordinary people during this tumultuous period.
6.1 Nazi Occupation of Denmark
Denmark was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1940, leading to a period of occupation that lasted until 1945. Initially, the Danish government cooperated with the Nazis, but resistance grew as Nazi policies became harsher, particularly toward the Jewish population. This setting forms the backdrop of Annemarie’s story in Number the Stars.
6.2 The Danish Resistance Movement
The Danish Resistance Movement actively opposed Nazi occupation, engaging in sabotage, intelligence-gathering, and smuggling Jews to safety in Sweden. Their bravery and unity played a significant role in preserving Danish identity and protecting vulnerable populations, inspiring characters like Annemarie’s family in Number the Stars to take a stand against oppression.
Discussion Questions
Explore moral dilemmas, the role of children in war, and the power of ordinary people in extraordinary times, sparking critical thinking and emotional reflection among readers;
7.1 Moral Dilemmas: Would You Hide Someone?
The novel poses a haunting question: would you risk your life to hide someone from oppressive forces? Annemarie’s family faces this moral dilemma, highlighting the tension between safety and compassion. Readers are compelled to reflect on courage, sacrifice, and the ethical complexities of standing up against injustice, even in the face of grave danger.
7.2 The Role of Children in War
Annemarie’s experiences illustrate the profound impact of war on children, forcing them into roles of unexpected responsibility and courage. The novel explores how young individuals contribute to resistance efforts, endure loss, and grapple with moral complexities, revealing the resilience and vulnerability of children in wartime. Their stories humanize the broader conflict, emphasizing innocence lost and strength found in adversity.
7.3 The Power of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times
The novel highlights the power of ordinary individuals in extraordinary times. The Johansen family, despite their ordinary lives, risk everything to protect Ellen Rosen, a Jewish girl, embodying courage and sacrifice. Their actions, along with others, illustrate how collective effort and bravery can inspire significant change and resistance during WWII.
Style and Tone
Lois Lowry’s writing style in Number the Stars is simple yet powerful, conveying deep emotions and complex themes through straightforward, relatable language that resonates with readers of all ages.
8.1 Lowry’s Writing Style: Simple Yet Powerful
Lois Lowry’s writing in Number the Stars is characterized by its simplicity and emotional depth. She uses clear, concise language to convey complex themes, making the story accessible while maintaining its historical and moral weight. This approach allows readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences during WWII.
8;2 The Use of Tone to Convey Emotion
Lowry masterfully employs tone to evoke emotions, shifting from the innocence of childhood to the gravity of war. Her narrative voice balances hope with fear, creating tension and empathy. This tonal range immerses readers in Annemarie’s world, amplifying the novel’s emotional impact and historical significance.
Number the Stars leaves a lasting impact, reminding readers of humanity’s strength during adversity. Its lessons on courage and kindness resonate, inspiring reflection on moral choices and resilience.
9.1 The Lasting Impact of “Number the Stars”
Number the Stars profoundly impacts readers by highlighting the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Its portrayal of courage, sacrifice, and hope during WWII continues to inspire, fostering empathy and understanding of historical struggles, making it a timeless piece of literature for all ages to reflect upon.
9.2 Lessons Learned: Humanity and Courage
Number the Stars teaches profound lessons about humanity, courage, and standing against injustice. Annemarie’s journey highlights the power of ordinary people in extraordinary times, emphasizing moral strength, compassion, and the enduring spirit of resistance. These lessons inspire readers to reflect on their own capacity for bravery and kindness in the face of adversity.
Further Reading
Explore related historical fiction books and non-fiction works on WWII and Denmark to deepen your understanding of the era and its impact on ordinary lives.
10.1 Related Historical Fiction Books
Consider reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. These novels explore themes of resilience, hope, and survival during wartime, offering deeper insights into WWII’s impact on ordinary lives.
10.2 Non-Fiction Works on WWII and Denmark
Explore non-fiction works like The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer, A History of Denmark by Knud J.V. Jespersen, and We Remember the Holocaust by David A. Adler. These books provide historical context on WWII, Denmark’s resistance, and the Holocaust, enriching your understanding of the era depicted in Number the Stars.
About the Author
Lois Lowry, born in 1937, is a celebrated author known for her thought-provoking novels. She began her career as a photographer before transitioning to writing, earning acclaim for her ability to craft compelling stories that explore complex themes and emotions, as seen in Number the Stars.
11.1 Lois Lowry’s Other Works
Beyond Number the Stars, Lois Lowry has authored The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger, exploring themes of memory, conformity, and societal structures. Her works often examine moral dilemmas, earning her a Newbery Medal and widespread readership across age groups.
11.2 The Newbery Medal and Its Significance
The Newbery Medal, awarded annually, recognizes outstanding children’s literature. Lois Lowry’s win for Number the Stars in 1990 highlighted its emotional depth and historical relevance, solidifying its place in children’s literature and inspiring readers to reflect on courage and resilience.