Resistance

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. At the end of the first day of fighting, the Polish and Jewish flags are hoisted high inside Warsaw Ghetto, visible even to the surrounding city.

• Why is the act of hoisting these two flags a particularly significant one? (topic sentence)
• Using evidence from the text, discuss 1 way in which the above action relates to the symbolism of flags broadly and 1 way in which it relates to the historical context of WWII specifically.
• In your conclusion, explain Esther’s response to the sight of these flags flying high in the context of their symbolism.

2. The process of Reconciling Faith and Morality in the Context of Violence is one of the major themes that Resistance explores.

• How does Chaya’s attitude towards violent resistance change over the course of the novel? (topic sentence)
• Trace the trajectory of this transformation using at least 3 separate passages from the book.
• In your conclusion, examine how Chaya works to reconcile her personal morality with the violence she engages in, and how she changes her behavior when she cannot achieve this reconciliation.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Closely examine the role that the OD and the Judenrat play in both the book and the larger context of the Holocaust. What might have motivated these individuals to join Nazi-run organizations? What impact do you think their presence might have had on their community? Chaya calls Esther’s father’s decision to join the Judenrat a “choiceless choice.” Do you agree? Why, or why not?

2. Chaya reflects on how a large number of Polish citizens seemingly turn a blind eye to Nazi violence. Do you think that the people who remained passive in the face of this violence bear any responsibility for it? What does the novel suggest is the role of a bystander in situations of oppression or injustice? What changes can bystanders bring about, and what harm might their inactivity lead to? Use examples from the book to substantiate your answer.