Behind the Bedroom Wall

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-10

Chapters 11-15

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Contrast the characters Rita and Eva. What does each girl symbolize? Which one of them does Korinna most resemble?

What hints do the opening chapters plant about Frau and Herr Rehme’s involvement in the underground movement and the existence of a secret space in the home?

What does Behind the Bedroom Wall teach readers about the insidious effect of Nazi propaganda, particularly on children?

What might Behind the Bedroom Wall suggest about children’s role in the arrest of “un-German traitors”?

Discuss how Korinna’s attitude toward—and treatment of—Rachel and Sophie changes throughout the story. Discuss how this mirrors Korinna’s growing maturity and compassion.

What does Korinna’s black book symbolize? Refer to passages from the text in your response.

How do Korinna’s beliefs about the Fuhrer change throughout the story? Why?

In the opening chapter, how does the reaction of the three girls (Rita, Eva, and Korinna) to Herr Haase’s arrest characterize each of them?

In what ways does Frau Rehme symbolize compassion, intelligence, and dissension?

10.

Do you consider Rita’s betrayal morally reprehensible, or is she a victim of the system of brain-washing that occurred in the jungmädel? Justify your response, referring to passages from the text.