Essay Questions

Why are the Jews scared when they learn that World War II has begun?

Historically, Jews have been the victims of circumstances and during the time of war, they are the most affected. The Weissmann family is of Jewish origin and when it learns of the arrival of the German soldiers into Poland, it gets scared. The Weissmann family comprises of Gerda, Arthur, and their parents. Their father is sick during this time and he requests Arthur and her sister to seek refuge in another country because the Jews are in danger. However, Arthur and his sister decide to stay with their ailing father in Poland during this trying moment. During the war, the Jewish men including Arthur are arrested and taken to detainment camps. The properties of the Jews are taken by the Germans. Therefore, Jews are scared because they know that they are the primary target of the war.

What is pushing most of the polish people to hang the German flags outside their houses during the time of World War II?

During World War II, the Germans are very powerful and they invade Poland to parade their ascendancy. Many people in Poland are petrified and they have to do everything possible to confirm that they support German and its Nazi political ideologies. Most Jews transform their flags into the German flags and hang them outside as a sign of camaraderie with Germans. However, many people are doing this because they are scared and this is a way of protecting themselves.

What is the allegorical meaning of the ‘piano’ as used by Gerda Weissmann Klein in All But My Life?

Gerda Weissmann Klein uses the piano as a symbol of Jewish sufferings and tribulations during the German invasion. She visits her friend to listen to her play the piano but the Germans come and take it away by force. Anything belonging to the Jews is seized and taken by the Germans leaving them leaving in absolute poverty and suffering. The Germans are on a mission to destroy the Jews because they believe that they are a threat to their political ideologies.