Child Innocence

Question 1

The brothers thought that Paris was a happy place to live until the discovered the reality of the war and the impact it had on Jewish people.

Answer 1

«Nous étions heureux dans ce quartier de Paris» (16)
Chapitre 1

Question 2

Joseph thinks his brother is crying because he doesn’t have a star like him yet- he considers it as a medal as he doesn’t understand what it is actually for

Answer 2

«Pleure pas, tu vas l’avoir aussi, ta médaille» (34)
Chapitre 3

Question 3

Joseph doesn’t see a problem with wearing the star- as far as he’s concerned it is not heavy nor does it stop him from playing so it isn’t an issue for him.

Answer 3

«Pourquoi ça me gênerait? C’est pas lourd, ça m’empêche pas de cavaler alors…» (35)
Chapitre 3

Question 4

Joseph doesn’t think he is Jewish because he doesn’t match the stereotypes that the other school children are talking about

Answer 4

«Le Juif cherchant à posséder le monde»
«Alors c’était simple: le Juif c’était pas moi»
«Tout ça parce que j’avais une étoile» (39)
Chapitre 3

Question 5

Innocence of being a child- not thinking that the war will last for a lot longer than

Answer 5

«Je me détendis. Au fond, on se séparait mais il était évident que nous nous retrouverions après la guerre qui ne durerait pas toujours»

Question 6

The brothers think that once they have passed into the free zone they won’t have any worries- child innocence as it won’t be the end to their struggles

Answer 6

«Mais cela n’a aucune importance! Une fois passés en zone libre, on se débrouillera toujours» (90)
Chapitre 5

Question 7

Maurice wants to know when they will arrive in the free zone but Raymond tells him that they are already there- after hearing all the great things about the free zone he is expecting to look so different and be the ideal place

Answer 7

«C’est la zone libre là-bas?» «La zone libre? Mais on y est déjà!» (99)
Chapitre 5