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A Notice Orders Men Aged 16-50 To Register
After Germans took over Bielsko, a notice came, ordering men to register as a soldier, the family suddenly became solemn. Character Development (Negative): After the war, Gerda was still optimistic. She thought positively of everything, but when Zeloski implied that Arthur was leaving, Gerda became angry, while other family members cried, creating a negative atmosphere. Theme Statement: Even though Arthur is gone and everyone is sad, Gerda still has other people she cares about in the house. -
Peter, A Friend of Arthur, Visits the Family
Gisa sent a friend of Arthur to visit the family and tell some news about Arthur. Secretly, he reveals to Gerda that Gisa doesn't know anything and just wants to make Gerda's parents happier. Character Development (Negative): Gerda was shaken by what Peter told her, and wanted to tell her parents. Unexpectedly, she decides to lie to them because she didn't want to hurt her feelings. Theme Statement: Times are hard. Gerda doesn't want to keep her parents down, so she tries to keep them happy. -
Gerda Was Separated From Her Parents And Sent To Sosnowitz
Gerda was separated from her parents, and was sent to Sosnowitz. She tried to get off, but a man put her back on the truck. Turning Point: Earlier, Gerda still had her family throughout the war, but even that was taken away. She only has her friends left, and her mother's last words before being separated. Theme Statement: Just before Gerda was taken away, her mother said "Be Strong." This strengthens her resolve to live through the situation, and made her grateful that she is still alive. -
The Other Girls Celebrates Gerda's Birthday, She Creates A Play
The other girls give gifts to Gerda on her birthday. She is inspired to arrange a play to liven up the atmosphere. Character Development (Positive): Even though not everything is going well, Gerda finds a way to make the atmosphere less tense, and to cheer everyone up. Theme Statement: When things aren't going your way, it's important to appreciate what you have and focus on the positive side of things, Gerda does this by getting help from her friends and making the experience fun. -
Gerda Is Sent to Marzdorf, Then To Landeshut
Gerda has a terrible experience at Marzdorf, then meets Abek when she goes to Landeshut. Character Development (Negative) She could barely handle the work she was given at Marzdorf, even when Gerda confided in Ilse. However, when she is transferred to Landeshut, she is unsure about her relationship with Abek, but still hopes he will be safe. Theme Statement: During Marzdorf, Gerda held on to her friend, and when she meets Abek, she is optimistic about his future. -
Gerda Finally Gets LIberated And Meets Kurt Klein
Gerda was liberated from the death march by American soldiers, and meets Kurt Klein, who is also Jewish. Turning Point: After all her hardships, Gerda finally gets liberated, and she gets what she hoped for. She immediately puts her hope in Kurt, as she has nothing else after the holocaust except for her photos and ski boots. Theme Statement: Gerda never let go of her values, she always appreciated everything and was optimistic while no one else was, and she is one of the only ones who survived. -
Gerda Is Sent On A Death March
Gerda is sent on a horrible death march, where her friends slowly die off. Not many people live through it, and even her dear friend Ilse dies. Character Development (Negative): Gerda's will is tested, she is losing everything she has, and even some of her friends die. The only thing she has now is her resolve and her memories, and her pictures. Theme Statement: Even though she is losing everything she has, she still believes that she will be liberated and she holds on tight to her memories. -
Theme Statement
Appreciate what you have and look on the positive side of things, it's definitely better than focusing on the bad side during hard times.
