Marie Laure
What happens to Fort National on the afternoon of August 9, 1944?
A shell from an American howitzer hits the northern parapet, killing nine French captives.
What does Marie-Laure eat to survive in the attic?
Cooked green beans from a can.
What blocks Werner’s radio from working properly in the cellar?
The depth of the cellar, rubble above them, or a broken component.
What does Marie-Laure use to broadcast on Etienne’s machine?
She uses a microphone and reads lines from her book.
What does Volkheimer focus his field light on in the cellar?
White plaster heads on two shelves.
Why does Marie-Laure use the sounds of shelling to open the can of beans?
To mask the noise and avoid detection by the intruder.
What does von Rumpel’s belief in the diamond’s powers reveal about his state of mind?
He is desperate, irrational, and clinging to the supernatural for hope.
What does Volkheimer's question, "And now?" suggest about his feelings toward his past choices?
He feels regret and questions the morality of his actions.
Why does Werner feel electrified with hope when he hears Marie-Laure’s voice?
It reminds him of his childhood and gives him a sense of connection and purpose.
Suggest some actions of Werner's and Marie-Laurein this chapter that directly impact the likelihood of their survival.
Werner works tirelessly to repair the radio despite the dire conditions in the cellar, driven by hope and the possibility of finding a connection to the outside world.
Marie-Laure, on the other hand, bravely leaves the attic to fetch water and eventually uses Etienne's transmitter to broadcast readings from her book, risking exposure but increasing her chances of being rescued.
In what way do the plaster heads in the cellar symbolize Volkheimer’s guilt?
Their unblinking, watchful eyes reflect the lives lost due to his actions.
What parallels can be drawn between Volkheimer and Werner's desire to escape their past lives?
Both sought escape but now regret the consequences of their choices.
How does von Rumpel’s obsession with the Sea of Flames affect his actions in Marie-Laure's house?
It drives him to search methodically despite his deteriorating health.
Why does Werner feel undeserving of salvation while trapped in the cellar?
He reflects on his participation in acts of war and questions his morality.
What role does Marie-Laure’s memory of her father play in her actions while trapped in the attic?"
Marie-Laure's memory of her father serves as a guiding voice, cautioning her about the dangers of the intruder. It also reinforces her resourcefulness, as she recalls his teachings and love, giving her the strength to survive and make calculated decisions.
How does the connection between Marie-Laure’s broadcast and Werner’s memory of the Professor reflect the theme of hope?
It shows how communication and shared experiences can inspire hope even in dire situations.
Analyze how the irrational belief in the Sea of Flames influences both von Rumpel and Marie-Laure differently.
Von Rumpel clings to it as a source of salvation, while Marie-Laure uses it in imaginary conversations to process her fears.
What does the absence of Etienne's house in the model symbolize for von Rumpel?
It signifies the diamond's supposed magical powers and reinforces his obsession.
Discuss how Marie-Laure’s decision to retrieve water highlights the clash between her fear and survival instinct.
Her fear of von Rumpel is overridden by the necessity to stay alive, showing her courage and determination.
What does Volkheimer’s story about his great-grandfather cutting mast trees symbolize in the context of the war?
It represents the connection between past and present, and the exploitation of resources for destructive purposes.