Refugee Flashcards
What is the name of Ruthie’s Bunnies
Ruthie’s bunnies name is Bitsy
What is the MS Saint Louis and why is it important to the novel? Also, describe the crew on the ship.
It’s important because it’s the ship Josef and his family traveled on to try to find freedom. And the crew was surprisingly nice.
Why were people rioting in Havana, Cuba during Isabel’s story?
Because they were rioting against Fidel Castro and his rules.
Josef’s father attends a funeral when on board the US Saint Louis. Whose funeral did he attend, and why did he go?
Josef father attended professor Weilers funeral and, Josef father attended
because he saw too many men die without funerals
How did Josef change after his bar mitzvah?
He changed because he thought he was a man so he tried to act more mature.
Why was Josef’s cabin “searched” on the ship?
Scheindick forced Josef to show him where his parents were and they destroyed his room.
What is the connection between Ruthie and Mahmoud in the novel? What promise does Ruthie make to Mahmoud?
When Mahmoud makes it to Germany he is taken to a hotel which he shares with Ruthie and Ruthie tells Mahmoud she will keep him safe.
Why does Josef agree to take part in the mutiny of the ship?
Because he must do anything to keep his mother and Ruthie out of concentration camps.
In what country do Josef, his mother, and Ruthie disembark the US Saint Louis?
They disembark in France
Where did Joseph’s mother hide some earrings?
In the coat Ruthie was wearing
Explain the “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy.
If You are traveling from Cuba to America and you are caught on sea you will be sent back to Cuba but if you are on American soil you won’t get sent back to Cuba.
What does Isabel leave in Cuba with the fisherman?
She leaves her trumpet in Cuba in exchange for gasoline for the boat.
Why does Josef rip his shirt collar when the ship departs from Cuba?
To show respect for his dad who is being left in Cuba
Describe Lito and the relationship between him and Isabel.
They have a very good relationship and love each other.
How did Isabel get gasoline for Castillo’s boat? Why does she need to get the gasoline for the boat?
Isabel gets gasoline from trading her trumpet for a fisherman’s gasoline. She needs the gasoline for the engine which is how they will make it out of Cuba.
