Number the Stars

Lois Lowry

“Number the Stars” is a captivating novel that tells the story of a young girl named Annemarie Johansen living in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II. The novel uses a range of literary devices, including symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing, to create a vivid and powerful narrative that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters and gripping plot, “Number the Stars” is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and the human experience.

Themes 📚

1. Courage: The novel explores the theme of courage through the experiences of the characters, who must navigate the dangers of Nazi-occupied Denmark and make difficult choices in order to protect themselves and others.
2. Sacrifice: Sacrifice is a key theme in the novel, as characters make sacrifices both big and small in order to help others and resist the forces of oppression.
3. Friendship: The novel celebrates the power of friendship and the bonds that can develop between people in times of hardship. The friendship between Annemarie and Ellen, despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, serves as a powerful example of the strength of human connection.
4. Identity: The novel explores the theme of identity, as characters must grapple with questions of who they are and what they believe in. The character of Annemarie, in particular, must confront her own beliefs and values as she becomes involved in the resistance movement.
5. Family: Family is an important theme in the novel, as characters rely on one another for support and protection. The Johansen family, in particular, is shown to be a close-knit and resilient unit in the face of adversity.
6. Injustice: The novel shines a light on the injustices of the Nazi regime and the impact of these injustices on ordinary people. The character of Ellen, who is Jewish, represents the many victims of the Holocaust who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
7. Resilience: The novel celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of individuals to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. The characters demonstrate strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to do the same.
8. Compassion: Compassion is a key theme in the novel, as characters show kindness and empathy towards one another despite their differences. The actions of characters such as the Johansen family and the members of the resistance movement demonstrate the importance of compassion in times of crisis.
9. Hope: The novel offers a message of hope, as characters work together to resist oppression and create a better future for themselves and their loved ones. The ending of the novel, which sees Ellen reunited with her family and the war drawing to a close, is a powerful symbol of the potential for hope even in the darkest of times.
10. Freedom: The theme of freedom is central to the novel, as characters fight for their right to live free from oppression and persecution. The novel celebrates the importance of individual freedom and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The novel uses symbolism to represent important themes and ideas. For example, the Star of David symbolizes the persecution of the Jewish people by the Nazis.
2. Imagery: The novel uses vivid and detailed imagery to bring the setting and characters to life. The descriptions of the streets of Copenhagen and the countryside of Denmark help to create a rich and immersive world for the reader.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel uses foreshadowing to create suspense and hint at future events. For example, the early references to the dangers of the German soldiers foreshadow the danger that the characters will face later in the story.
4. Flashback: The novel uses flashbacks to provide context and backstory for the characters. The flashback to the escape of Ellen’s family from Germany helps the reader to understand her experiences and motivations.
5. Irony: The novel uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the Nazi regime and its beliefs. The scenes in which the soldiers search the Johansen’s home for hidden Jews are particularly ironic, as the soldiers are unaware that Ellen is hiding in plain sight.
6. Allusion: The novel makes allusions to historical events and figures, adding depth and context to the story. For example, the character of King Christian X is an allusion to the real-life Danish king who wore a yellow star in solidarity with the Jewish people.
7. Metaphor: The novel uses metaphor to explore complex themes and ideas. For example, the metaphor of the “invisible ink” represents the hidden and secret resistance movement.
8. Repetition: The novel uses repetition to emphasize key ideas and themes. The phrase “we must be brave” is repeated several times throughout the story, underscoring the importance of courage in the face of danger.
9. Dialogue: The novel uses authentic and realistic dialogue to develop the characters and advance the plot. The conversations between the characters help to bring them to life and make the story more relatable.
10. Personification: The novel uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects or concepts. For example, the river is personified as a “wild animal” that is dangerous to cross, adding tension to the scene in which the characters must navigate it.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
The mention of Lise’s death	The early mention of Lise’s death foreshadows the later reveal of her involvement in the Danish Resistance.
Ellen’s Star of David necklace	Ellen’s necklace is a symbol of her Jewish identity, foreshadowing the importance of her religion in the story and the danger she faces.
The German soldiers’ presence	The increasing presence of German soldiers foreshadows the danger and tension that will escalate throughout the novel.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Star of David necklace	The Star of David necklace symbolizes Ellen’s Jewish faith and identity, as well as the danger she faces during the Holocaust.
The title “Number the Stars”	The title represents the idea that people can’t be quantified or reduced to numbers, emphasizing the value of individual lives during the Holocaust.
The handkerchief	The handkerchief, which contains a special scent that incapacitates the German dogs, symbolizes the ingenuity and bravery of the Danish Resistance.

3. Irony

Example	Explanation
The Danish king’s approachability	It’s ironic that King Christian X of Denmark, a figure of authority, is known for riding his horse without guards, symbolizing the humility and unity of the Danish people.
The Rosens’ escape	The Rosens escape the Nazis by hiding in plain sight, which is ironic considering the immense danger they are in.
Annemarie’s realization about her sister	It’s ironic that Annemarie only learns the truth about her sister’s involvement in the Resistance after her death, which adds depth to her understanding of bravery.

4. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The description of Copenhagen	The vivid description of Copenhagen creates a strong sense of place and highlights the city’s importance as a setting for the novel.
The journey to Uncle Henrik’s house	The journey to Uncle Henrik’s house is filled with imagery that emphasizes the danger and tension experienced by the characters.
The soldiers searching the boat	The description of the soldiers searching the boat creates a sense of suspense and uncertainty, underscoring the high stakes for the characters.

5. Characterization

Example	Explanation
Annemarie’s courage	Annemarie’s bravery and willingness to help her friend Ellen demonstrates her strong moral compass and the importance of friendship in the novel.
Ellen’s resilience	Ellen’s ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and maintain her dignity in the face of danger highlights her resilience and strength of character.
Uncle Henrik’s role in the Resistance	Uncle Henrik’s involvement in the Danish Resistance, despite the risks, emphasizes the theme of courage and self-sacrifice in the face of injustice.

FAQs 💭