Themes
What is one major theme of Letters from Rifka related to family?
Family provides strength and support during difficult times.
How does Russia as a setting create danger for Rifka’s family?
Pogroms and political persecution force them to flee.
How does Rifka’s relationship with her brotherly cousins show her caring nature?
She worries about them and tries to protect them on the journey.
What event starts Rifka’s journey to America?
Her family decides to flee Russia due to danger.
Which theme is shown through Rifka helping others even when she is scared?
Compassion in adversity.
What theme is shown through Rifka’s determination to get to America?
Perseverance in the face of hardship.
How does the train setting influence Rifka’s behavior?
She must hide Tovah’s candlesticks and stay alert to avoid soldiers.
Why is Rifka’s interaction with Pieter on the ship important?
He gives her comfort and teaches her courage; his loss impacts her deeply.
Which event shows a turning point in Rifka’s confidence?
Recovering from typhus and learning she can survive difficult conditions.
How does Rifka’s environment influence the theme of perseverance?
Difficult settings like ports, hospitals, and Ellis Island test her endurance.
Which theme is reflected when Rifka loses her hair but keeps her hope?
Identity is deeper than appearance.
What effect does the hospital in Poland have on Rifka’s journey?
It delays her travel and tests her resilience.
How does Rifka’s relationship with her parents influence her choices?
She pushes forward because she wants to reunite with them.
What major conflict occurs when Rifka arrives at Ellis Island?
She is held back because her ringworm makes her “unacceptable.”
How does the conflict between Rifka’s desires and immigration rules support the theme?
It shows the struggle for freedom and belonging.
Rifka’s letters show she often finds beauty and comfort in small things. What theme does this illustrate?
Finding hope even in hardship / gratitude.
How does the setting of Ellis Island influence Rifka’s decisions?
She must advocate for herself so she won’t be sent back; she proves she’s healthy and fits to enter America.
What does Rifka learn about kindness through her interactions with the child she helps on Ellis Island?
Helping others gives her purpose even when she is struggling herself.
How does writing the letters shape the plot?
The letters help trace Rifka’s growth, experiences, and emotional journey.
Explain how Rifka’s emotional growth connects to the changing settings.
She grows more mature with each new place and challenge.
Explain how the theme of resilience develops throughout the novel.
Rifka survives typhus, hair loss, separation from family, and immigration challenges—each event showing her growing strength.
Explain how the different countries and stops on Rifka’s journey shape her growth.
Each place challenges her in a new way and teaches her independence, bravery, and maturity.
How do Rifka’s interactions with doctors and immigration officials show her growth?
She becomes more confident, self-advocates, and proves her independence.
Explain how the various obstacles Rifka faces build tension in the story.
Each challenge—illness, separation, immigration rules—raises stakes and shows how much she must overcome.
How do character interactions AND setting together develop the novel’s themes?
People she meets and places she travels both shape her values of resilience, identity, courage, and hope.