The Devil’s Arithmetic

By Jane Yolen

Introduction

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that bridges the past and the present through its compelling narrative. Published in 1988, this historical fiction book focuses on the Holocaust, a crucial period in world history. Jane Yolen, a prolific author known for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature, weaves a tale that is both harrowing and enlightening. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story explores themes of memory, identity, and the importance of remembering the past. ✨📖

Plot Summary

Plot Summary

The story begins with Hannah Stern, a modern-day Jewish girl who is indifferent to her family’s Jewish traditions and the significance of remembering the Holocaust. During a Passover Seder, she is magically transported back in time to 1942 Poland, where she assumes the identity of Chaya Abramowicz, a young Jewish girl.

In this past world, Hannah (as Chaya) experiences the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. She witnesses the Nazis’ arrival, the brutal round-ups, and the dehumanizing transport to concentration camps. The rising action builds as Hannah navigates the grim reality of camp life, forging bonds with other prisoners and facing unimaginable hardships.

The climax of the story occurs when Hannah bravely steps forward to take the place of Rivka, a friend marked for death, fully embracing the grim reality of sacrifice and survival. This act of courage highlights the themes of bravery and selflessness.

The falling action follows the aftermath of Hannah’s sacrifice, where she is brought to a gas chamber. However, just as she faces her end, she is miraculously returned to her original time, back at the Passover Seder.

The resolution of the story sees Hannah profoundly changed by her experiences. She now understands the importance of remembering the past and honoring those who suffered. Her transformation is evident as she shares her newfound appreciation for her heritage with her family.

Character Analysis

Character Analysis

Hannah Stern/Chaya Abramowicz — Hannah starts as a modern, somewhat detached Jewish girl but transforms into a brave and selfless individual through her experiences in the past. Her journey is one of growth, understanding, and embracing her heritage.

Rivka — Rivka is a young girl Hannah befriends in the concentration camp. She is resourceful, brave, and wise beyond her years, representing hope and survival amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.

Gitl — Gitl is Chaya’s aunt in 1942 Poland. She is strong, protective, and resilient, embodying the strength needed to endure and resist the Nazi regime.

Shmuel — Shmuel, Gitl’s brother, is Chaya’s uncle who exhibits great bravery and determination. He remains hopeful and plans to escape the camp, showcasing his indomitable spirit.

Commandant Breuer — Commandant Breuer is a representation of the Nazi authority in the camp. His character is cruel and ruthless, embodying the terror and oppression of the Holocaust.

Character Analysis Summary Table

CharacterPersonalityMotivationsCharacter Development
Hannah Stern/ChayaInitially indifferent, later braveUnderstanding heritage, survivalGrows from detachment to appreciation
RivkaResourceful, brave, wiseSurvival, helping othersRemains a symbol of hope and resilience
GitlStrong, protective, resilientProtecting family, resistanceEmbodies strength and endurance
ShmuelBrave, determined, hopefulFreedom, resisting Nazi oppressionShowcases indomitable spirit
Commandant BreuerCruel, ruthlessEnforcing Nazi ideologyRepresents the terror of the Holocaust

Themes and Symbols

Themes and Symbols

Memory and RemembranceThe central theme of the novel is the importance of remembering the past. Hannah’s journey underscores the significance of bearing witness to history to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten.

Identity and HeritageThe story explores the concepts of identity and cultural heritage. Hannah’s transformation highlights the importance of understanding and embracing one’s roots.

Courage and Sacrifice — Acts of bravery and self-sacrifice are pivotal in the narrative, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Symbols:

  • The Passover Seder — Symbolizes the tradition and continuity of Jewish history and the importance of remembrance.
  • The Tattooed Numbers — Represents the dehumanization of the Holocaust victims and the indelible mark of their suffering.
  • The River — In the concentration camp, the river symbolizes both the boundary of life and death and the slim hope for freedom.

Style and Tone

Style and Tone

  • Realistic Descriptions — Yolen’s use of vivid and often stark descriptions brings the horrors of the Holocaust to life.
  • DialogueThe dialogue is both natural and historically appropriate, providing authenticity to the characters’ voices.
  • Shifts in PerspectiveThe transition from modern-day to 1942 Poland is handled seamlessly, enhancing the narrative flow.
  • ToneThe tone varies from reflective and somber to intense and urgent, matching the novel’s themes and events.

Literary Devices used in The Devil’s Arithmetic

Literary Devices used in The Devil’s Arithmetic

1. Metaphor — Used to draw parallels between different elements and themes.
2. Simile — Enhances descriptions by comparing one thing to another.
3. Foreshadowing — Hints at future events, creating suspense.
4. Irony — Highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.
5. Symbolism — Uses symbols to represent deeper meanings.
6. Imagery — Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
7. Personification — Attributing human characteristics to non-human elements.
8. Flashback — Provides background information and context.
9. Allusion — References to historical events and cultural elements.
10. HyperboleExaggeration for emphasis.

Literary Device Examples

Literary Device Examples

Metaphor

ExampleExplanation
“The moon was a silver sliver”Compares the moon to a silver sliver to highlight its thinness and shine.
“Her heart was a stone”Suggests emotional numbness or resilience.
“The camp was a living nightmare”Describes the horrific conditions in the camp.

Simile

ExampleExplanation
“As brave as a lion”Compares someone’s bravery to that of a lion.
“Like a river flowing through time”Describes the continuity of memory and history.
“Eyes as cold as ice”Emphasizes the coldness and lack of emotion.

Foreshadowing

ExampleExplanation
“A dark cloud seemed to hang over the camp”Hints at impending doom and suffering.
“She had a feeling something terrible was about to happen”Builds suspense about future events.
“The distant thunder rumbled, a sign of the storm to come”Suggests approaching conflict or disaster.

Irony

ExampleExplanation
“The ‘work camp’ where no work was done”Highlights the cruel irony of the concentration camp’s purpose.
“Freedom is just a river away”Ironic because crossing the river to freedom is nearly impossible.
“The festive Passover table and the grim reality”Juxtaposes the celebration with the historical horrors.

Symbolism

ExampleExplanation
The Passover SederSymbolizes Jewish tradition and remembrance.
The Tattooed NumbersRepresents the dehumanization of Holocaust victims.
The RiverSymbolizes the boundary between life and death.

Imagery

ExampleExplanation
“The acrid smell of burning”Vividly describes the smell to evoke the horror of the camps.
“The cold, hard bunk”Conveys the uncomfortable living conditions.
“The bright, unforgiving sun”Highlights the harshness of the environment.

Personification

ExampleExplanation
“The wind whispered through the trees”Gives human-like qualities to the wind.
“The camp seemed to breathe”Implies the camp is alive with suffering and death.
“The river’s relentless flow”Describes the river as having a will of its own.

Flashback

ExampleExplanation
Hannah’s memories of modern lifeProvides context and contrasts with her past experience.
Gitl’s stories of life before the warAdds depth to her character and the historical setting.
Shmuel’s recollections of freedomHighlights the loss and yearning for better times.

**All

usion**

ExampleExplanation
References to PassoverConnects the story to Jewish tradition and history.
Mention of historical eventsGrounds the narrative in real history.
Cultural references in dialogueAdds authenticity to characters’ experiences.

Hyperbole

ExampleExplanation
“She felt like she had walked a thousand miles”Emphasizes the exhaustion and hardship of the journey.
“The camp was a hell on earth”Exaggerates to highlight the severity of conditions.
“His anger could move mountains”Stresses the intensity of emotion.

The Devil’s Arithmetic – FAQs

The Devil’s Arithmetic – FAQs

What is the significance of the title “The Devil’s Arithmetic”?

The title refers to the cruel calculations and inhumane logic used by the Nazis to determine the fate of prisoners in the concentration camps.

Why is Hannah transported back in time?

Hannah is transported back in time to learn the importance of remembering and honoring the past, specifically the Holocaust.

What does Hannah learn from her experience?

Hannah learns about the horrors of the Holocaust, the value of courage and sacrifice, and the importance of preserving memory and heritage.

Who is Rivka in the story?

Rivka is a young girl Hannah befriends in the concentration camp who teaches her how to survive and represents hope and resilience.

How does the story end?

Hannah is returned to her own time with a newfound appreciation for her heritage and a deeper understanding of the importance of remembrance.

What role does the Passover Seder play in the story?

The Passover Seder serves as the starting point for Hannah’s journey and symbolizes the continuity of Jewish tradition and the importance of remembering the past.

How does Jane Yolen use symbolism in the book?

Jane Yolen uses various symbols like the Passover Seder, tattooed numbers, and the river to represent deeper themes of memory, identity, and the boundary between life and death.

What is the main theme of the book?

The main theme of the book is the importance of remembering the past to honor those who suffered and to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

How does Hannah change throughout the story?

Hannah transforms from a detached and indifferent girl to a brave and selfless individual who understands and appreciates her heritage and the importance of memory.

What is the role of sacrifice in the novel?

Sacrifice is a key theme in the novel, demonstrated by Hannah’s willingness to take Rivka’s place, highlighting the courage and selflessness needed to survive and resist oppression.

Quiz

QuestionABCD
Who is the main character in The Devil’s Arithmetic?Hannah SternRivkaGitlShmuel
What event transports Hannah back in time?A dreamA Passover SederA magical spellAn accident
Who does Hannah become in the past?GitlRivkaChaya AbramowiczHer grandmother
What does the river symbolize?FreedomDeathLifeHope
What act of bravery does Hannah perform?Escapes the campTakes Rivka’s placeFights the NazisHides from guards

Exercise

Read the following paragraph from The Devil’s Arithmetic and identify the literary devices used:

“Her heart was pounding like a drum as she approached the gate. The sun, an unforgiving eye, watched over the camp. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the voices of those who had suffered.”


Answers:

  1. Simile — “Her heart was pounding like a drum”
  2. Personification — “The sun, an unforgiving eye”
  3. Personification — “The wind whispered through the trees”
  4. Imagery — “The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the voices of those who had suffered”
Index