What does Uncle Henrik say happened to Aunt Birte?

What does Uncle Henrik say happened to Aunt Birte?

To her surprise, Uncle Henrik announces that their Great-aunt Birte has passed away. The funeral is to be held in the traditional way—in a relative’s home—that night.

Why doesn’t uncle Henrik tell Annemarie everything about what is happening?

Uncle Henrik told her that it was easier on some people if they did not know the truth, and then they would not have to lie if they were questioned. Annemarie did not want Ellen to have the burden of the truth if she were asked.

Why does Mrs Johansen tell the soldier that Great Aunt Birte died of typhus?

Ellen on the other hand is unaware of the false scenarios – such as Great Aunt Birte’s funeral. Why is Mrs. Johansen’s response to the German Soldiers so clever? She knew once the soldiers heard that Great Aunt Birte died of typhus they would never exposed themselves to the disease.

How is bravery shown in Number the Stars?

One theme in Number the Stars is bravery. For example, Annemarie showed bravery when she heard Nazi soldiers coming into the house to look for the Rosens, Annemarie pulled the Star of David necklace from Ellen’s neck and clutched it in her hand so the Nazis wouldn’t see it and know that Ellen was Jewish.

Why didn’t Annemarie tell Ellen the truth about Great-Aunt Birte?

Annemarie didn’t tell Ellen the truth about Aunt Birte to protect Ellen the same way Annemarie’s mother protected her. Johansen and Uncle Henrik created “the death of an Aunt Birte” to get the Jewish people together so that the German soldiers would not be suspicious.

What does Uncle Henrik tell Annemarie about her great aunt Brite?

Uncle Henrik reveals that there is no Great-aunt Brite—he and Mama have lied to Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen to “help [them] to be brave.” He tells Annemarie that for this reason, he’s not going to tell her anything else.

How does Uncle Henrik decide to sleep on the boat?

Uncle Henrik soon announces that it is getting late, and he needs to get to the boat—he plans on sleeping on it. He blows out the candles in the house so that the place is totally dark and opens the front door. He whispers for Ellen to come with him, and Mama urges Ellen to follow Henrik’s lead.

What is Uncle Henrik’s fantasy?

Uncle Henrik is constructing a fantasy—or a fib—meant to shield not just Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti from the truth, but to shield their entire family from something deeply sinister. Two solemn-faced men driving a hearse bring a large, gleaming casket into the house and set it in the middle of the living room.

Does Annemarie reveal to her mother that there is no Aunt Birte?

Annemarie does not reveal that there is no aunt Birte. She realizes that she is protecting Ellen. Others arrive. Mrs. Johansen says they were friends of her aunt. She knows that her mother is lying, and also that her mother knows she knows. They look at each other and Annemarie feels that they have become equals.