The Devil's Arithmetic Lesson Plan

Describe Hannah’s interaction with Rachel, Shifre, Esther, and Yente. Why are the cultural differences between Hannah and the rest of the girls significant?

Strong responses will make note of the many cultural differences that become obvious right away when Hannah begins talking to the other girls. Aside from the fact that movies aren’t as widely available to people in the 1940s as they are in the 1980s, it should be clear that because Hannah grew up in more modern times, she’s part of a culture that is much more open. The other girls are not allowed to befriend anyone who isn’t Jewish, for example, while Hannah's best friend Rosemary is Catholic. Also, she does things...