Literary Analysis Questions

Which quote best shows how Josef’s father feels about Nazi Germany? (RL 7.6)

• A) “I saw too many men die without funerals at Dachau…”

• B) “Papa spat at the feet of Schiendick. ‘That is what I think of you and your flag!’”

• C) “We can’t stay here. We have to get off this ship!”

• D) “…he heard his father tearing his shirt…they had torn theirs in sympathy…”

Isabel says, “The tanker emerged from the darkness like some giant leviathan come to swallow them.” What is the purpose of this figurative language? (page 116)(RL 7.5)

• To stress the great size and danger of the tanker

• To foreshadow that the tanker will destroy their vessel

• To establish a lighthearted mood for the reader

• To remind readers that Isabel cannot swim and may drown

What is the effect of the author’s use of repetition, “If, if, if.” on page 140. (RL 7.5)

• It creates a sense of hopelessness as Mahmoud realizes he will probably drown.

• It shows the reader that Isabel is confident she will survive.

• It reminds the reader that success is not guaranteed; Isabel’s family may perish.

• It builds suspense for the reader because they don’t know if Mahmoud will live.

What is the purpose of the author’s use of italics on page 129? (RL 7.5)

• To show that the author is quoting another source

• To highlight the fact that these words aren’t English

• To prove that the crew does not really care about the passengers

• To emphasize the differences between the ship’s crew and passengers

What is the significance of the word “mañana” in our novel? (RL 7.5)

• It becomes a funny joke to the passengers on the ship as they wait.

• It causes Josef to lose all hope of finding a place to live in peace.

• It reminds the passengers that they will have to learn a whole new language soon.

• It is a painful reminder of how close they are to freedom, and yet still have no rights.

What motivates Josef to take leadership roles and make difficult decisions on the ship?

• His desire to impress the ship's crew

• His need to protect his family

• His ambition to become a sailor

• His interest in making new friends

How does Isabel's story illustrate the theme of hope in the face of adversity?

• By showing her family's successful arrival in the United States

• Through her determination to play her trumpet again

• By detailing her dreams of a better life in America

• Through her ability to keep her family together and motivated

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of these is NOT an antagonist in the story? (An antagonist works against the main character or the protagonist)

• Fidel Castro

• Otto Schiendick

• Nazi Germany

• Captain Schroeder

What characters journey are you the most invested in? Has this character been your "favorite" since the beginning or has it changed?