The Upstairs Room

Though a minor character, Annie’s mother plays a vital role in the novel. Explore her presence in the story and evaluate her purpose. For example, is she symbolic or does she contribute to a theme? Be specific.

Characterize the tone of the novel, whether it shifts or changes, and why or why not. Use details from the text to support this assessment.

Throughout The Upstairs Room, Sini and Annie demonstrate how crucial family ties are: The sisters’ love for one another helps them survive. However, The Strength of Family Bonds could also apply as a theme elsewhere in the text. Examine the interactions of the Oosterveld family and analyze how they, too, demonstrate this theme. Use specific examples.

Watch Tina Strobos describe the dangers of being a courier in the underground network helping Jews in the Netherlands during World War II. Then, consider characters in The Upstairs Room. In addition to the Oostervelds, the Hanninks, and others who hid people in their homes, who else worked to save Jewish lives? How do their actions demonstrate the dilemmas and dangers that non-Jews in Europe faced during this period?

People, as well as objects, can be symbolic. Choose two characters other than Dientje Oosterveld to analyze. Determine what they represent and why.

When Annie has the opportunity to talk with Mimi, another Jewish girl in hiding, Annie remarks, “How could I just talk to her? What would I say?” (108). Analyze this scene and the minimal interaction between the girls. Why do they remain silent? Use textual evidence to support an examination of this topic.

Annie spends her formative years in hiding with minimal education and little physical movement, yet she learns and grows in many ways. Examine Annie’s journey, and craft a theme related to identity development. Use evidence from the text to support this analysis.

During the German occupation of Holland, the Nazis manipulated the Dutch Jews into thinking that they were safe. Examine at least two different strategies the Germans used, and explore why these methods were successful. Use evidence from the text to support this analysis.