How Does Ellen Andresen Show Courage

“Frightened, but determined, and if the time came to be brave, I am quite sure you would be very, very brave.” (pg 76). Bravery is not an easy feat, Uncle Henrik recognizes this as he advises Annemarie Johansen in the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Annemarie goes to many lengths to keep her Jewish friend, Ellen, out of harm’s way. Alternatively, she could have gone the easy route. Annemarie could have not helped her friends. However, without even acknowledging it, she found the ability to do what frightened her as did several other characters in the book. She protected those around her, just as the seashell she received from would Peter Neilsen would protect tiny sea creatures. Courage shows through people in a variety of situations
Ellen Rosen demonstrates her courage in a number of instances throughout the novel. The Jews are being hunted down and “relocated” by the Nazis, thus Ellen is required to leave. Instead, Ellen leaves the comfort of her family to reside with Johansens, the only safe alternative for her to take. However, this did not make it any easier for the mere frightened 10 year old. It took great courage to pretend to be Annemarie’s dead sister, Lise, especially so when suspicious Nazi soldiers flug question after question at her regarding her true
Mrs. Johansen is also extremely brave. She demonstrates her courage as she risks her life in an effort to save the lives of innocent people. She does not stand by and allow these people to be persecuted, instead she keeps it her highest priority to protect them. For example, in a confrontation with Germans soldiers she manages to convince them to not to open an empty casket that is meant to contain the supposed Aunt Birte. She quickly thinks on her feet, creating a story that diverts the soldiers suspicion and gets slapped in the process. Ultimately, Mrs. Johansen prevented the soldiers from catching onto their plan, therefore allowing her to send the Rosens and the other innocents to