Part 1: Chapters 5 and 6 Summary and Analysis

The Weissmans sell some of their personal belongings—a tablecloth her mother labored on for a year, crystal glasses she gave her parents for their anniversary, artwork on the wall that left sad, clean rectangles on the wall. Helene has totally collapsed and asks for Arthur over and over again. Their departure is detained but is still looming. Sensing that his daughter is contemplating suicide, Julius makes Gerda vow to never take her own life. She clings to that vow in the future many times when death seems the best option.

After Christmas, the rations that Jews receive are cut down to half of what non-Jews receive. Jews must also where the Star of David sewn on their clothes with the word "Jew" written across it. They hear from Arthur's girlfriend that he is safe and...