Yellow Star

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2006

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 4

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 4, Introduction Summary

By 1943, the residents of the Lodz Ghetto have all heard the rumors of the death camps.

Word also reaches them of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, where Jews fought back against their Nazi captors. Much of the Warsaw Ghetto was intentionally burned down, killing many ghetto residents.

Part 4, Chapter 12 Summary: “Winter 1942 - Spring 1944”

“Almost Two Years Go By”

Days, weeks, and years pass. The only change for Syvia is the temperature in the apartment, which becomes boiling hot in summer and freezing in winter.

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“Another Ghetto”

Syvia is amazed to hear of Jews fighting back in the Warsaw Ghetto. She misunderstands the word “underground” in terms of underground resistance, thinking that they are in tunnels.

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“Growing Girl”

Syvia gets taller and skinnier. The family is close to starvation.

Part 4 Analysis

The theme of Indignities and Hardships of Life in the Ghetto is explored in Syvia’s years in hiding. The uneventful nature of her life is characterized by the fact that the only change for her is the cooler or warmer temperature as the years pass: “Each day seems the same, except for the weather. It changes with the seasons. Sometimes it is freezing cold in our apartment, and sometimes it is boiling hot” (102). The contrast here highlights their struggle for survival and their continued feelings of uncertainty.