1. Why did Uncle Henrik and Mama lie to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte?
(Think about this carefully since this is ONE of the MAJOR THEMES of the BOOK!)
2. Mama stopped the German officer from opening the casket by telling him her Great-Aunt Birte died of a contagious disease typhus. What does this tell you about her character?
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
This blog is a reader response blog to the Newberry Award winning book Number the Stars written by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars
24 comments:
JGM21
1.Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte because it is easier to be brave if you do not know everything. If Annemarie had not known about there not being any Great Aunt Birte than se would have been able to answer the Nazi soldier without heasitation.
2. The fact that Mama stopped the German officer from opening the casket by telling him her Great-Aunt Birte died of a contagious disease typhus shows the reader that Mama can think of a sulution quickly to get herself out of a situation it shows this because if she couldn't think of a sulution quickly than she wouldn't have been able to think of saying that Aunt Birte died of tyhus.
OB 1 (Kanobie)
1) Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte
to keep her brave. For example, Kirsti was told that the Navy ships being blown up where "fireworks" on her brithday, because Mamma knew that she would be terrifed if she knew what really happened, and wouldn't be able to handle the thought of that.
2)Mama stopped the German officer from opening the casket by telling him her Great-Aunt Birte died of a contagious disease typhus. This tell us that Mamma is a very quick thinking charictor, and is able to think clearly is a pressure situation, which for most people is hard to do. This is lucky, for the Johansens because if she wasn't the Naiz soldiers would have found out that "Great-Aunt Birte" wasn't in the casket and would have ruined the plan, on whatever is in the casket.
3)I think that nothing is in the casket, and Ellen, her mom and dad, the other couple, and the old man, will be put into it, and carried out of the country, in the casket.
CE#7
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great Aunt Birte because what ever is in the coffin, is most likely part of the resistance movement, and the less you know, the more brave you can be.
2. What Mama did tells me that she is very intellegent, witty, and quick thinking. She tricked the soldier into not opening the coffin by telling him that she was diseased. Thus the soldier did not open the coffin and they were saved.
3. This didn't come up on my blog, but I think it was one of the questions. I think that there is a Jew inside the coffin, so maybe the are helping him/her/ escape to a country that the germans have not occupied.
bag12
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great Aunt Birte because sometimes it is best not to know all the facts. You don't know all the dangers, or how the situation could possibly turn out. You could be braver and not crack under pressure because you know what could happen. For example, Mama told Kirsti the ships blowing up were, fireworks just for her birthday, because she wanted to keep Kirsti safe. Also, in Letters to Rifka, Rifka's parents don't tell her that the soldiers will have weapons that are being used to find Nathan, because they wanted her to seem like nothing was happening, it was just normal.
2. It tells you that Mama is brave because she is lying to the guard and taking chances. She might not even know what is in the casket, but she knows that it is important, and that they can't be caught. She is also brave in the matter of that she takes charge when the officer wants to open the casket. She stands up to him, so if the officer does open it and see what’s inside, since she lied about it to him, she would probably be treated the worst.
JRC#5
1. This mean to know nothing keeps you brave for what comes ahead.
2. She is brave and smart she knew that if he was dumb enogh he would open it he would get a disese she did not get mad at him when she got slaped.
JCG#9
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about great Aunt Birte becuse they didn't want her to get scared. For example if she hadn't known that great Aunt Birte wasn't real then she wouldn't have been as scared to answer the question that the soldier asked her. Uncle Henrik and mama didn't tell Kirsti that Great Aunt Birte was not real so she wasn't scared at all. Mama and Uncle Henrik really care about Annemarie so they didn't want her to be scared.
2. This tells me that she is very couragous. She had to think quickly and say something. She is a lot like Papa. When the German soldiers came to their house were they were hiding Ellen Papa had to think quickly so he ripped out the pictures and left the dates in the book.
MBI #16
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie because she would be braver If she didn't know all the facts. For exampple Annemarie knows there was no aunt Birte so she had trouble answering the Nazi because she knew the truth. If she didn't know the truth she would not have hestitated because she would have no other answer. So they lied to her so she would be braver against the Nazis not knowing all the facts.
2. This tells us that Mama is a fast thinker. For example she had to think of a reason for the Nazi not to look in the casket because they didn't want the Nazis to see what was in there. If Mama hadn't thought of something fast they could have saw what was in the casket.
3. In the casket I think there are supplies for a long jurny. I think there are things like canned food, clothes, sleeping mats. I think this because I think they are going to sneek Ellens family some where safe and they are going to use the casket to carry things secretly.
STG #8
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte because they wanted Annemarie to have less knowledge so she will have less fear (like we talked about today in school).
2.This tells you that mama is very good about making lies and she probably already planed them before-hand just in case the German Soldiers questioned her.
bag12
3. I think that the person in the person in the casket is Papa because he had made a plan with Uncle Henrik to bring Ellen. He probably planned to bring himself aslo. He didn't tell anyone because he didn't want someone to overhere.
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama Lied to Annemarie about the death of her great-aunt-Birte (beer-ta!) because knowing less of something that could be dangerous gives you more courage because well your ignorance and stupidness makes you know only what you want for instance if you are going to go on a roller-coaster and the sign says to not put your arms outside of the coaster while it is moving because it could say kill you. Then you would probably be in a straight jacket if your family even made you go on that ride, you would probably be so freaked out when riding it you might have, "an accident". But if you had not read that sign you probably be gung-ho and get your arms pulled out of their sockets, but at least next time you won't have to worry about keeping your arms in the coaster.
2. I think it shows us that Papa's braveness and coolness under pressure must have rubbed off on her because this scene is almost just like the one where the Nazi soldier ask if they are harboring Jews since the Rosen’s aren't home, where-as papa pulls out the picture and does some quick thinking action.
BIRTE!!!!!!!!! BS24
SC#4 (Blouse Boy)
1. They lied to Annemarie because she would be ignorant and naive to the situation, and thus not be afraid. For example, if a little child is told about terrorism and that these people halfway across the world hates you because you are American, that little child may not be able to sleep at night.
2. This shows Mama is crafty and cunning to stall and discourage the Nazi soldier. This may be vital later on. She could be stopped by a Nazi and have all odds against her and wiggle her way out. Also she could mentor Annemarie to help her with quick-witted skills to help her on her 'brave' journey.
3. I think that the casket may hold only stones and articles of clothing, unless, of course, they murdered someone and put them in a casket, (which I highly doubt). I picked these materials because they are bulky and heavy enough so it could be possible that there is somebody in the casket.
JH #15
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte because sometimes you must tell a white lie to your child when they are young for them to understand because it could possibly be something to become one of their fears and be scared for life or something horrible could go wrong so it is best to keep things apart from your child and as they get older when you feel it is the right time you should tell them, but not when they are this young in my opinion.
2. This tells me that her character is smart and brave. I thought this because if you were smart you would think of a quick excuse that is somewhat believable and she did that in so little of time which shows she is smart. The way she is brave is that she had to be brave to think of that great excuse that she thought of because if she said that excuse and the officer didn't listen and opened it anyway and found out she was lying to him and there was no Great-Aunt Birte inside the casket then she could get in big trouble which proves she is brave because she could have gotten in big trouble, but she gave it a try anyway.
CC3
1. I think Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte because as my teacher consistently says the less you know the more braver you are and this is true because if Annemarie knew it was a lie and had many questions swirling around in her head she may have just blurted it out in front of people and who knows she could have blurted it out when the soldiers came. Luckily she didn't blurt it out. In the beginning I think the Uncle and Mama thought that Annemarie would not be able to take the truth, but after they told her the lie Annemarie got suspicious and really wanted to know the truth. Although once they told her she was mad at them for lying, she understood why. Therefore, this scene really states the quote my teacher taught me.
2. When Mama stopped the German officer from opening the casket and telling him that the Aunt died from the disease typhus shows that Mama is a very strong character and is not afraid of anything. I think this scene really states my point because Mama actually had the guts to go up to the officer and said he can't see the inside of the casket and stood up for herself. Also, this shows that Mama is an independent person and stands up for what she believes and doesn't care of what people think of her. In conclusion, this quote shows that Mama is a very strong person and went right up to the officer and told him what she wants to happen.
3. I think the person in the casket is Uncle Henrik because why would he be "sleeping on his boat" during a family gathering? It could be a possiliby that he was telling the truth and sleeping on his boat, but to me I think that is a very slim chance. Therefore, since in the begging of the book it says that Uncle Henrik was apart of the lie he has something to do with it, and because of that I don't think would miss the gathering. That is what I think.
mjg10Uncle Henrik and Mama lie to Annemarie about Great-Aunt Birte because they did not want to spread fear to annemarie so she would act quick.
2Mama's charicter is bold and brave and she is quick witted.
Mary-Kate
1) Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie and Ellen about the death of Great-Aunt Birte because as Uncle Henrik says that if the soldiers were to come and they asked the children a question the children would believe that it really was Great-Aunt Birte that died and would not be as scared. In other words the more they no the less brave they are.
2) When Mama stopped the Guards from opening the casket it showed that Mama was very wise and is good during a bad time like her husband.
RHS23
1.Henrik and Mama lied to Annemarie about Great Aunt Birte so that if the nazi's asked who was in the casket she could answer without hesitation and not look suspicious and she would also not nkow that she was lieing but if she new the truth she would be very stutery and make it look suspicious because she would know that she was lieing to the soldier.2.This showes that she does not really want to show the Germen oficers what is in side most likeily because there is somebody else that is not dead in it. So she lies so that the soldiers wouldn't see the truth of what was in side.
SL 18 1. They lied because if you don't know much about something you wont be as nerves. for example as the big 'kauna' said that little kids go realy fast when they are skiing because they don't know that they can hit a tree or get hurt. as to knowing that they can get hurt.
2. this tell you that she is brave and that she is whiling to give up risks.
AH#14
1. Uncle Henrik and Mama lied to Anne because they didn't want to tell Anne what happened to great Aunt Birte because they didn't want Anne to know what she did in her life time. Maybe she did something bad that she shouldn't have done. Or maybe she was jewish and she was killed by the nazis.
2. What this tells about Mama's character is that she is very brave and willing to stop one of the soldiers that had probably killed or possibly injured somebody.
Also because she is willing to do anything to keep her children and or save anyone that she is close to. She also saved some jews from being killed by the German soldiers. That is why she is willing to do anything for anyone.
BR22
Mama and Uncle Henrik lied to Annemarie about their "Great Aunt Birte" because Uncle Henrik and Mama needed a cover -up for all of the people gathering at their house.(Who may have been Jews or maybe resistance leaders) that may have been conspiring against the Relocation of the Jews in Denmark. The reason for lying about this gathering because they thought that like what the Magic T Marzini said, the less you knew the less you were scared. Like in Letters from Rifka when Rifka had to distract the soldiers so her family could escape. Like again what THE BIG CAHUNA said her parents didn't tell her the soldiers would question her or what they would do if they found out she was lying. They told what she needed to know in order to be brave.
2. This tells you that Mama has a very intelligent and clever personality. Which AGAIN relates back to Rifka how in Rifkas' letters to Tovah Rifka kept asking if what she was doing in the story was clever. ANOTHER main idea of that story. So in NTS Mama had to do some quick thinking to keep the Nazis from opening the casket so you could say she was clever.
PG#13
1.) They lie because in the book when Uncle Henrik is milking Blossom it says, “to help you be brave, because we love you." So the true reason to why they lied was because they wanted to keep Annemarie safe because you never know whether the information that you tell them can result in to terrible thing and also loosing bravery.
2.) Mama's character is brave, thoughtful and wise. Mama isn't afraid of anything and she won't let Germans come between her, her family, and friends. Mama knows how to deal with the problems that lie ahead and she's not afraid of the problems that she's facing now.
3.) What I think is in the casket is a blow up dummy that is supposed to be a body that has a typhus disease.
ab#2
1. I believe that Uncle Henrik and mama lied to Annemarie about Great Aunt Birte because if any soldiers came and Annemarie had to answer to them she may stutter or flub her words making the soldiers suspect something. As we thoroughly discussed with the handsome bald guy one of the main themes of the book, you are less brave when you know things and more bold and daring as well as confident when you do not know the risks, secrets or the "catch'. For example, a young child learning to bicycle ride usually rides very fast and their speed is relentless, after the first fall and the child knows that bicycling can cause an injury, although usually minor, the child is more cautious in the future, more hesitant, and usually dramatically slower. Mama and Uncle Henrik did not want Annemarie, or any other child for that matter, to know because it may cause her to stutter, become nervous or fidgety if she must answer to a German Nazi soldier. In conclusion, one of the main themes of the book is that the less you know the braver you are.
2. Mama's quick thinking in telling the German soldier that Great Aunt Birte had died from typhus tells me quite a bit about her character. First of all it shows how "street smart" Mama is and how she is able to persuasively think on the spot in a believable fashion. Also this shows how organized Mama is because she may have thought out that typhus idea before the night of harboring in case a soldier did insist on opening the casket.Lastly, this shows how savvy and believable Mama can make herself really quickly and control the situation easily.
3. I believe that in the casket there are usual household items, for example the casket may contain sweaters, coats, and blankets as well as stuffed animals or small pillows. Also, I believe the casket may contain some books to give it a realistic weight.
KGL#17 1. Uncle Henrik and Mama only lied to Annemarie to protect her. Plus, it would be much easier to be brave and stand up to the Nazi's and say there was a Great-Aunt Birte if Annemarie didn't know there never was one. The less you know, the more you can be convincing and brave like Uncle Henrik said. Its much easier to tell a lie if you think that lie is the truth
2. Mama is a very quick thinker just like Papa. We do not know what was in the casket, and it wasn't Great Aunt Birte. She knew the officer was selfish and did not want to get any disease so she made up a story. Mama is also very brave to lie and stand up to the Nazi's like that.
3. (Question not posted. What is in the casket?) I do not have a very good idea about what is in the casket. In class, people were saying things from Lise's body to rocks! I think Uncle Henrik could be in the casket. He said he would be sleeping on his boat and that could be code. Also, since thats not the most logical thing it could just be a old body!
AMD#6
1. Mama and Uncle Henrik lied to Annemarie to keep her safe. They decided that if she did not know all of the plans for an escape, then she would not be forced to tell the truth if a soldier tried to make her.
2. Mama was willing to do anything that she needed to do to protect her family and make their plan of escape work. She was very scared and made a quick decision.
CAL #62
1. They lied to Annamarie about Great-Aunt Birte because they figured that if they told them everything about there plan and how the Nazis were going for the jews, then this would frighten Annamarie and prevent her from being as brave as she is now, in the future.
2. This tells me that Mama is clever and can quickly think up something good to fool the officers. Because after she said this the officer did not even want to be near the casket and left immediately.
Post a Comment