Plot Events
What happens between Cristian and the dog?
Cristi's gaze and body language creates a connection of empathy between the guards' dog and our protagonist.
How are the lyrics in the "old song of patriotism" also a central idea for this novel?
The lyrics express dying for freedom as a patriotic act and sacrifice.
How does each of the family members respond to the radio news of the Timișoara revolution?
Cristian is inspired to join the protestors, but his parents and sister are afraid. Cristi begins to see his father differently.
What was The Iron Curtain?
The Iron Curtain was a barrier that divided capitalist and communist nations. This barrier was not physical but instead economic and political. On one side of the curtain, most countries were communist, and on the other side, most were capitalist.
Why is the revolution in nearby Timisoara a turning point for Cristian?
He realizes that students can lead and make a difference in the fight for freedom.
What did Cristi do that made the guards so angry that they made the children clean the feces with their bare hands?
He threw the official portraits of Ceausescu and his wife onto the floor.
Which code name used by Cristi as an example of allusion?
The title "Draculescu" uses an allusion to the classic Romanian villain Dracula to emphasize Ceaușescu's cruelty.
When Cristi calls his mother after his escape from prison, what does she say that he finds confusing?
Mrs. Florescu says, "There is no winning."
What was The Berlin Wall? Why was the fall of The Berlin War important to the Romanians?
The Berlin Wall, which cut through the middle of the city center in Berlin, Germany, surrounded West Berlin from August 13, 1961 to November 9, 1989. The Wall was designed to prevent people from escaping to the West from East Berlin, which was communist. The Velvet Revolution Nadia Comaneci's defection and The Berlin Wall all were inspirations to the Romanian people and gave them the courage to revolt.
An example of an extreme plot twist occurs when Cristian discovers currency and the Springsteen article in Cici’s belongings. Define plot twist and explain how this plot event is an example.
An extreme plot twist is a literary technique that introduces a radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a work of fiction. When it happens near the end of a story, it is known as a twist or surprise ending.
What decision does Liliana make when they are taken prisoner shows her intelligence and bravery?
She convinces Cristi to run, find Luca and let their families know where they are and what happened.
What is a frequent naming motif used by Sepetys in this story?
The most frequent example of the renaming motif is the code names assigned to each character in the Secu reports.
Why was Cristian reluctant to go and watch Luca's sisters while he was in the hospital?
Cristian wanted to find Liliana.
How did Nadia Comaneci's defection impact the people of Romania and America?
It provided the USA with real-life information on the reality of what was happening in Romania from a protected source. It served as an inspiration to the Romanian people and gave them hope that Nadia would let the world know what was happening in their country.
An example of situational irony occurs when Cristian discovers currency and the Springsteen article in Cici’s belongings. Explain what situational irony is and how this event is an example of it.
Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is contrary to or different from what is expected. Both the reader AND Cristian are shocked by this discovery.
Why does Cristian go to Coltea Hospital?
He needs to find his friend Luca.
Bloodstained pavement, buildings pockmarked with holes and burned portraits of Ceausescu are examples of what literary device used by Septys in this story?
Sepetys uses the literary device of imagery to trigger the reader to recall images, or mental pictures, that engage one of the five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.
Who helped Cristian rescue Liliana?
His sister, Cici.
In the epilogue, how does Cristi (through the author's writing), connects the theme of memory with accountability.
The text argues that memory is a form of resistance, and forgetting is a form of complicity.
What is unusual about the way the author named the chapter after chapter 80? Why did she make this stylistic choice?
The chapter following 80 is entitled Chapter 1, signifying that the end of the regime created a new beginning for Cristian and countless others. Chapter 1 employs a hopeful mood and a comforting tone as Liliana and Cristian share Twinkies on Christmas Day.
Why were Romanians"lonely in a country of millions?"
People were restricted from meeting in groups of no more than five. The secrecy and fear in the country caused people to have distrust, thereby making friendships and family relationships strained.
What best describes the ending in the last line of the novel? (epilogue) "He's going to open the door."
This is an example of a cliffhanger.
What are the code names used for Cristi, Cici, and his mother?
Cristi - Oskar
Cici - Fritzi
Mrs. Florescu - Maria
What is the timeline of events leading up to the Romanian revolution?
The Berlin Wall - November 1989
The Velvet Revolution of Czechoslovakia - November 1989 (9 days after the Berlin Wall fell)
The defection of Comaneci - November 1989
Romanian Revolution December 1989
What is an example of situational irony in this part of the book?
Cristian learns that his beloved sister, Cici, was the actual informer. This plot twist is even more ironic as Cristian never suspected Cici and confided his most personal secrets to her despite Bunu's insistence that he "trust no one."