Why does Peter visit the Johansens?
Basically, Peter visits the Johansens to give them updated news about German actions against Danish Jews. At this time, the Germans have just ordered the closing of Jewish-owned businesses.
In the book, Peter Neilsen is a member of the Danish Resistance. Peter often brought the forbidden De Frie Danske (The Free Danes) newspaper to the Johansens. In the book, Papa explains to Annemarie that the Resistance fighters are just Danish civilians who are determined to defeat the German occupation.
Historically, Denmark was unique among the European nations during WWII. While many countries like Poland lost most of its Jewish population to German pogroms and concentration camps, Denmark saved almost 98% of its Jews. It did this through the efforts of a united Danish populace. The Danish people shared a common national identity: they thought of themselves as Danes above all, regardless of religion, race, or political leaning.
Many, like Peter Neilsen, gave their lives for their Jewish neighbors. Like Peter, many did their part to help ferry Danish Jews to safety in Sweden. Danes who could not do so hid Jews in their homes, schools, and churches. All Danes united as one in fighting the Germans during WWII. This is why so many of Denmark's Jews were saved from annihilation.
https://pure.diis.dk/ws/files/507541/DKandtheholocaust.pdf
In chapter 3 of Number the Stars, Peter stealthily visits the Johansen home after curfew to inform the family of German orders to close Jewish-owned businesses. This confirms suspicions aroused earlier in the day when Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti attempted to stop at Mrs. Hirsch's store but found it padlocked with a German notice containing a swastika on the door. Peter explains that this new order is a method of tormenting Jewish people and that it is now occurring in Copenhagen just as it has in other places. Annemarie realizes that the Rosens may be affected and suggests that citizens of Denmark must now be bodyguards for the Jews; they must fiercely protect their friends just as they have vowed to protect their king. Although Annemarie later falls asleep believing that she is insulated from the serious affairs of soldiers and Resistance fighters, her inclusion in Peter's visit indicates a loss of innocence, and this chapter foreshadows the worsening plight of Jews in Copenhagen.
Comments
Post a Comment