le silence de la mer Flashcards
What conflicts are present in the book?
The book features both external conflicts, such as between France and Germany during the Occupation, and internal conflicts within characters like WvE, L’Oncle, and La Nièce.
What internal conflict does WvE experience?
WvE struggles between his love for France and the Nazi vision he discovers during his visit to Paris, ultimately conflicted about leaving to fight on the countryside front.
(pas d’espoir)
What internal conflict does L’Oncle face?
L’Oncle struggles with viewing WvE as an enemy while grappling with his patriotism and the resistance he must uphold.
What internal conflict does La Nièce experience?
La Nièce is conflicted between her love for WvE and her hatred for the occupation, remaining silent despite her feelings.
(rompre le fil)
How is love expressed in the relationship between WvE and La Nièce?
Love is expressed as La Nièce transitions from hatred of the occupation to feelings of jealousy and eventually sadness at WvE’s departure, culminating in her saying ‘adieu.’
How do L’Oncle and La Nièce show love for their country?
Both characters remain silent as a form of resistance against Werner’s occupation, demonstrating their love for France.
What is Werner’s perspective on France?
Despite being a German occupant, Werner expresses a love for France, contrasting its gentle seasons with Germany’s harshness and lamenting his brutal ex-fiance.
(elle arrache des pattes d’un mostique)
What theme of hate is introduced at the start of the book?
The theme of hate is evident in La Nièce’s initial attitude towards WvE, where she ignores him completely as a form of resistance against the occupation.
What does Werner discover about his friends and the Nazi party?
Werner learns that his friends and the Nazi party do not wish to unite France and Germany but rather to dominate France, contrasting with his love for the country.
How is Werner characterized in the novel?
Werner is portrayed as the antagonist representing German occupants, yet he is complex, having a stiff leg and being polite, sensitive, and artistic.
What role does L’Oncle play in the narrative?
L’Oncle serves as the narrator, remaining silent and accepting of the occupation, representing the general population of France during the resistance.
What does La Nièce’s silence symbolize?
La Nièce’s silence represents her determination to resist the occupation, embodying the resistance or Jewish population of France at the time.
What does ‘Le silence de la mer’ refer to?
‘Le silence de la mer’ references the silent resistance of L’Oncle and La Nièce, while also suggesting hidden conflicting emotions beneath the surface.
How is the story of Beauty and the Beast interpreted in the book?
The story can be interpreted as La Nièce representing Beauty and WvE the Beast, as she initially resists him but later realizes he is not the villain, or as France being Beauty and Germany the Beast, highlighting Germany’s harshness.
