What Is The Theme Of Number The Stars

What is the Theme of Number the Stars? Exploring Courage, Resistance, and the Power of Friendship During WWII

Lois Lowry's Number the Stars, a poignant children's novel, transcends its young adult audience to explore profound themes relevant to all ages. While seemingly a simple story of a young girl's bravery during World War II, a closer look reveals a complex tapestry woven with threads of courage, resistance, friendship, family, identity, and the enduring power of hope even in the darkest of times. This exploration delves deep into these central themes, analyzing their significance within the narrative and their broader implications.

The Unwavering Courage in the Face of Fear

One of the most prominent themes in Number the Stars is courage. This isn't the bravado of a superhero, but a quiet, determined bravery born out of love and loyalty. Annemarie Johansen, the protagonist, demonstrates this courage repeatedly throughout the story. She isn't fearless; she experiences genuine terror, particularly during the perilous boat journey across the Øresund. However, her love for her best friend, Ellen Rosen, and her unwavering commitment to helping her escape the Nazis fuels her actions.

Annemarie's Courageous Acts:

• Protecting Ellen's Identity: Annemarie consistently risks her own safety by protecting Ellen's Jewish identity, shielding her from the watchful eyes of the Nazi soldiers. This act requires immense courage, especially considering the potential consequences for her family.
• Facing Danger During the Escape: The daring boat journey is a testament to her bravery. She endures the unpredictable sea, the fear of discovery, and the ever-present threat of violence, all for the sake of her friend.
• Standing Up to Authority: While subtle, Annemarie displays courage by subtly challenging authority figures. Her defiance is not overt, but a quiet form of resistance embedded in her actions and her unwavering support for Ellen.

This quiet courage is not unique to Annemarie; it permeates the actions of her family and others in the Danish resistance. Her father's careful planning and her mother's unwavering support highlight the courage it took for ordinary people to resist the Nazi occupation. The bravery of the resistance members, including Kirsti and her father, underscores the widespread courage required to defy a powerful oppressive regime.

Resistance: Small Acts, Big Impact

The novel showcases the power of resistance, not through grand, dramatic battles, but through countless small acts of defiance. The Danish resistance movement isn't depicted as a centralized, organized force; instead, Lowry portrays the everyday acts of courage that collectively comprised the resistance. The subtle acts of hiding Ellen, providing false information, and diverting attention from the Rosen family are all significant contributions to the larger effort.

Forms of Resistance in the Story:

• Passive Resistance: Many Danes, including Annemarie's family, practiced passive resistance. This involved silently defying Nazi rules and regulations, offering discreet assistance to the persecuted, and keeping silent about the actions of the resistance.
• Active Resistance: Others, like Kirsti's father and other members of the resistance, engaged in more active forms of resistance, involving direct confrontation or participation in covert operations. Even seemingly small actions, like smuggling Ellen across the water, carry significant risk.
• Collective Resistance: The novel emphasizes that resistance was not the work of a few individuals, but a collective effort of many ordinary people willing to risk their safety for a greater cause.

The story effectively demonstrates that resistance isn't just about grand gestures but about everyday acts of defiance that contribute to a larger movement of solidarity and opposition. The collective nature of resistance in the novel underscores the crucial role of community in overcoming oppression.

The Power of Friendship: An Unbreakable Bond

The theme of friendship forms the emotional core of Number the Stars. The deep bond between Annemarie and Ellen transcends the challenges they face, solidifying their loyalty and commitment to each other. This friendship is tested by the extreme circumstances of the war, but it only deepens and strengthens their connection.

Annemarie and Ellen's Friendship:

• Unconditional Loyalty: Annemarie's unwavering loyalty to Ellen, even at great personal risk, underscores the profound depth of their friendship. This loyalty is tested throughout the narrative, yet it remains resolute.
• Shared Experiences: Their shared experiences, both joyous and terrifying, forge an unbreakable bond. The shared fear and the mutual support they provide each other strengthen their friendship.
• Mutual Respect: Their friendship is built on mutual respect and understanding. Annemarie admires Ellen's resilience and courage, and Ellen recognizes and appreciates Annemarie's selfless acts of loyalty.

The novel highlights how friendship can be a source of strength and resilience, offering support and comfort in times of adversity. The strength of this friendship forms a powerful counterpoint to the horrors of war.

Family: The Foundation of Courage and Support

The importance of family as a source of strength and support is another significant theme. Annemarie's family provides her with the love, safety, and guidance she needs to navigate the dangers of wartime Copenhagen. Their collective decision to help Ellen highlights their commitment to their values and to the principles of humanity.

Family's Role in the Narrative:

• Moral Compass: The Johansen family acts as Annemarie's moral compass, shaping her values and guiding her actions. Their commitment to helping Ellen reflects their family values and belief in humanitarian principles.
• Safe Haven: The Johansen home serves as a safe haven for Ellen, providing her with shelter, protection, and a sense of security in a dangerous time. This reinforces the importance of family as a safe harbor in times of adversity.
• Shared Responsibility: The family shares the responsibility of protecting Ellen, demonstrating their collective commitment to aiding those in need. This shared responsibility fosters a sense of unity and strength within the family.

The story powerfully underscores the significance of family as a foundation for moral strength, support, and resilience in the face of adversity. The family's unity and shared commitment to a greater cause strengthen their bond and provide them with the fortitude to persevere.

Identity and Belonging: Navigating a Changing World

The theme of identity is explored through Ellen's Jewish identity and the contrast between her and Annemarie's experiences. Ellen's identity becomes a source of vulnerability and danger, shaping her actions and her perception of the world. Annemarie, meanwhile, grapples with her own sense of identity as she confronts the harsh realities of war and the moral dilemmas it presents. The changing social dynamics force both girls to confront their identity and place in the world.

Exploring Identity Through the Characters:

• Ellen's Jewish Identity: Ellen's Jewish identity becomes a target, placing her life at risk. Her experience allows the reader to understand the threat to personal identity that arises from discriminatory policies.
• Annemarie's Danish Identity: Annemarie's Danish identity shapes her perspective and response to the occupation, leading her to both support and challenge the prevailing societal norms.

The stark differences in the girls' experiences and identities reinforce the broader theme of tolerance and inclusivity. The narrative emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding for those whose identities put them at risk of persecution.

Hope Amidst Despair: The Power of Perseverance

Despite the pervasiveness of fear and danger, Number the Stars also powerfully conveys the theme of hope. The characters' resilience, their acts of resistance, and their unwavering belief in their shared humanity offer a beacon of hope amidst despair. The successful escape of Ellen and the continued survival of the Danish resistance demonstrate that even in the darkest of times, hope can persist and ultimately prevail.

Manifestations of Hope:

• Acts of Kindness: The acts of kindness shown to Ellen and other Jews, such as the provision of shelter and assistance, represent small acts of hope that challenge the oppressive forces of the Nazi regime.
• Resistance Movements: The existence and actions of the Danish resistance movement symbolize the ongoing hope for liberation and a return to normalcy.
• Successful Escape: Ellen's successful escape is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. It shows that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, hope can lead to success.

The story ultimately underscores the resilience of the human spirit, the power of hope, and the significance of collective effort in overcoming oppression. The happy ending, while carefully crafted, reinforces the enduring message that hope and perseverance can overcome even the darkest of circumstances.

In conclusion, Number the Stars is far more than a simple children's story about World War II. It's a powerful exploration of enduring themes that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. The interwoven threads of courage, resistance, friendship, family, identity, and hope create a compelling narrative that teaches valuable lessons about humanity, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The novel's enduring power lies in its ability to touch the heart while simultaneously prompting reflection on the complexities of war, oppression, and the enduring power of the human spirit.