The Visitor - Questions & Answers
Understanding the Text
A. Let us take a walk through the events in the story and the reactions of the characters to them. Complete this table based on your reading of the story.| event | reaction |
|---|---|
| 1. Liesel hears about the NSDAP. | Liesel—fakes a football injury to go back home |
| 2. Liesel hurts herself. | Nazi party member—helps her up, asks where she lives, and behaves kindly |
| 3. Rudy tries to help Liesel get up. | Liesel—asks Rudy to get her father |
| 4. Liesel informs her parents about the NSDAP. | Papa—fights the urge to look outside, calls for Rosa, and quickly plans to hide Max Mama—is initially panicked and distressed but then composes herself to answer the door |
| 5. Nazi officer announces he is going to check basement. | Papa—gives him directions to the basement |
| 6. while the basement is being measured | Papa—tries to act normal, orders Liesel to read and Rosa to cook to avoid looking suspicious |
| 7. Nazi officer bids goodbye. | Liesel—bids him goodbye Mama—melts with relief next to the stove |
B. Answer these questions. 1. Think, Liesel—She had it. That’s it, she decided, but I have to make it real. (para 14) a. What was Liesel planning? Why?
Liesel was planning to injure herself during the football game. She needed a legitimate excuse to leave the game and go home to warn her parents about the approaching Nazi party members without arousing suspicion.
b. Why did she have to make ‘it’ real?
She had to make the injury real so that her crying and need to go home would look genuine to the other children and the Nazi agents nearby. If she faked it poorly, it might look suspicious.
2. Papa was strict. “Nothing. We don’t even go down there—not a care in the world.” (para 40) a. What was Papa’s plan to prevent the Nazi officer from finding Max?
Papa's plan was to behave as if they had nothing to hide. By not going down to the basement and continuing their normal activities upstairs, he hoped to appear unconcerned and prevent the officer from suspecting that someone was hiding down there.
b. Why do you think he wanted to pretend as though they did not have ‘a care in the world’?
He wanted to project an image of a loyal, ordinary German family with no secrets. Any sign of anxiety or nervousness could have tipped off the officer to look more closely at their home or basement.
3. Liesel could not ward off the thought of Max... hugging it to his chest. (para 57) a. Do you think Liesel and the Hubermanns were fond of Max? Or were they only worried about being punished for helping a Jew?
They were genuinely fond of Max. Their concern goes beyond fear of punishment; Liesel worries about him specifically ("thought of Max"), and Rosa’s emotional relief ("You're alive") and Papa’s interaction with him show deep care and friendship.
b. Can you find examples from the text to support your answer?
Examples include: Papa asking Max, "Would you like some coffee, some tea?" immediately after the danger passes. Rosa holding the scissors and saying, "You're alive... We all are," showing shared relief. Liesel's internal panic and specific visualization of Max huddled in fear. The phrase "24-carat friendship" (though from the previous chapter, the bond is evident here).
4. a. Max claims that he would not have used the pair of scissors he was found holding. Does para 68 tell us that for sure or is there some uncertainty?
Para 68 suggests he wouldn't have used them ("I wouldn't have used them," he quietly said), but the fact that he was holding them like a knife and soaked in sweat shows he was prepared for a desperate last stand. However, his quiet admission implies he likely couldn't have brought himself to violence.
b. In your opinion, would Max have been justified in using the scissors on the Nazi?
(Opinion) Max would have been acting in self-defense to save his life from execution, which could be considered justified. However, attacking a Nazi officer would have likely resulted in the death of the entire Hubermann family as well, making it a catastrophic choice.
5. How does Liesel prove herself to be a clever and resourceful girl with courage and self-control? Look at this situation as an example to support your answer. Add more examples from the text.
Liesel shows cleverness by quickly devising a plan to get home (the football accident) and courage by physically hurting herself to execute it. She shows self-control by enduring the pain and acting her part in front of the Nazi. Another example is her ability to lie to the "kindly party member" about her injury while hiding her true terror, and her composure when the officer is actually in the house, where she tries to concentrate on her bleeding leg rather than the basement.
Appreciating the Text
The Hubermanns seem to lead two different lives... Here is a table which details the contrast between what the world sees and what is actually happening in the Hubermanns’ lives. Pair up with your partner and complete it.| what the world sees | what is actually happening |
|---|---|
| a. Liesel and her friends are enjoying a game of football. | Liesel is very worried about the Nazi party members who are checking the basements of all the houses on the street. She is scared that they will find Max, the Jewish man they are hiding. |
| b. Liesel and Klaus crash into each other by accident during a game. | Liesel intentionally collides with Klaus to injure herself so she has an excuse to leave. |
| c. Liesel goes home crying with a grazed knee. | Liesel warns her father about the Nazi party members. |
| d. The party member goes down to check the basement. The Hubermanns are busy going about their usual routine. | The Hubermanns are terrified that the officer will discover Max hiding under the stairs/in the basement. |
| e. Papa speaks calmly and friendly to the party member. | Papa tries to distract the party member so that he does not look too carefully in the basement and discover Max. |
| f. The party member finds their basement unsuitable. The Hubermann family carry on with their lives. | The family feels immense relief and exhaustion; they go to the basement to check on Max and share the moment of survival. |
Grammar and Usage
A. Complete these sentences with a, an, the or mark a cross (×) for zero article. 1. You certainly need an older person to escort you on a trek.1. You certainly need an older person to escort you on a trek. 2. The bookshop not only had × books, it also had × magazines.
2. The bookshop not only had × books, it also had × magazines. 3. I enjoy writing × poems—my sister likes to play the piano.
3. I enjoy writing × poems—my sister likes to play the piano. 4. Take a walk in the park—you’ll feel better.
4. Take a walk in the park—you’ll feel better. 5. Ask me without × hesitation when you have a question.
5. Ask me without × hesitation when you have a question. 6. It already feels like × winter! Do I need to put on a sweater?
6. It already feels like × winter! Do I need to put on a sweater? 7. The lions in this zoo look sickly and they need × nourishment.
7. The lions in this zoo look sickly and they need × nourishment. 8. They don’t expect an immediate reply but you should send them an email by tomorrow.
8. They don’t expect an immediate reply but you should send them an email by tomorrow.
B. Circle the correct determiners to complete these sentences. 1. We have very little / less chance of reaching the stadium on time in this traffic.
Answer: very little 2. There were less / fewer people than usual in the supermarket.
Answer: fewer 3. I am not sure if I can help you—I speak a little / little English.
Answer: little (implies not enough to help) 4. The teacher gave each / every of the students a piece of paper.
Answer: each 5. There were few / several people to begin with but most of / much of them left early.
Answer: few, most of 6. He works from two cities but does not like neither of / either of them much.
Answer: neither of (Note: "does not like neither" is a double negative, grammatically "does not like either" is correct, but if choosing between options for meaning "likes neither", standard English usually requires "likes neither" or "doesn't like either". Given the options, "neither of" fits the slot if "does not" wasn't there, but "either of" fits with "does not". However, often in these exercises "neither" is the target for "two items". Let's re-evaluate: "He works from two cities but does not like..." -> "either of them much" is correct. "He works from two cities but likes neither of them much" is correct. Since "does not" is present, the answer is either of. Wait, looking at the image, the user might have circled something else? No. The correct grammar is "does not like either". If "neither" was used, it would be "likes neither". So, Answer: either of.)
Correction: The prompt asks to circle the correct one. "does not like neither" is incorrect. "does not like either" is correct. So, Answer: either of. 7. I learned gymnastics at my other / previous school.
Answer: previous 8. There wasn’t enough / some space for all of us in the car.
Answer: enough
C. Grammar Fun Play a game with your partner. Tell them about yourself by completing these sentences. Then share your answers. 1. I enjoy a little of ...
I enjoy a little of classical music in the evenings. 2. I collect many ...
I collect many rare stamps and coins. 3. I include a lot of ...
I include a lot of fresh vegetables in my diet. 4. I don’t buy any ...
I don’t buy any plastic water bottles anymore. 5. A thing that I don’t approve of ...
A thing that I don’t approve of is bullying in school. 6. I have admired every ...
I have admired every teacher who has taught me. 7. I respect all the ...
I respect all the frontline workers for their dedication.
Words in Use
Look at the unusual ways in which the highlighted words have been used. Make sure you understand their meaning in the context of the text. Then use each word in a sentence of your own. 1. “No, no.” He wouldn’t be shifted. The stubbornness of him! (para 23)(Meaning: Persuaded to change his mind/moved from his position) Sentence: Despite our best arguments, the principal would not be shifted from his decision to cancel the trip. 2. A disappointed smile mingled with his lips. (para 28)
(Meaning: Mixed/blended) Sentence: The scent of fresh rain mingled with the aroma of hot coffee in the cafe.
Punctuation
Insert a pair of dashes in suitable places in these sentences. 1. He said he would meet us that is if he could manage to get away from work at eight tonight.He said he would meet us—that is if he could manage to get away from work—at eight tonight. (Or: He said he would meet us—that is if he could manage to get away from work at eight tonight.)
Better placement: He said he would meet us—that is if he could manage to get away from work at eight tonight. 2. I wore a blue dress the one that my grandmother made for me when I went out with my friends last night.
I wore a blue dress—the one that my grandmother made for me—when I went out with my friends last night. 3. Early summer the time when tender mangoes appear on trees is a lovely time to visit the countryside.
Early summer—the time when tender mangoes appear on trees—is a lovely time to visit the countryside. 4. This cloth the colours of which are made specially from vegetable dyes feels very soft and is comfortable to wear.
This cloth—the colours of which are made specially from vegetable dyes—feels very soft and is comfortable to wear. 5. Two hours later feeling very hungry he got up to look for some food in the refrigerator.
Two hours later—feeling very hungry—he got up to look for some food in the refrigerator. 6. His name well known in the world of the newspaper is included in the list of the world’s finest cartoonists.
His name—well known in the world of the newspaper—is included in the list of the world’s finest cartoonists.
Writing
Write a different ending to the story using your knowledge of the text and what would happen to them if they were caught hiding a Jew. You may begin this way— Liesel heard a loud cry from the basement as she headed down the stairs... Liesel heard a loud cry from the basement as she headed down the stairs. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird. The silence that followed was even more terrifying."Aha!" the Nazi officer’s voice boomed, echoing up the narrow stairwell. "What do we have here?"
Liesel froze. Papa’s face, usually so warm, went ashen white. Mama dropped the wooden spoon she was holding, the clatter sounding like a gunshot in the quiet kitchen. They had been found.
Max was dragged up the stairs, his rusty scissors confiscated, his face a mask of defeat. He didn't look at them; he kept his eyes on the floor, trying to spare them the guilt. "I don't know these people," he lied, his voice trembling. "I broke in."
But the officer just sneered. "A likely story." He motioned to the soldiers waiting outside. Within minutes, the house on Himmel Street was swarming with uniforms. Papa and Mama were handcuffed. There were no goodbyes, only the harsh orders of the soldiers and the tears streaming down Liesel's face. The game was over, and the darkness they had fought so hard to keep at bay had finally swallowed them whole.
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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
In what country and era is the story "The Visitor" set?
Answer
Germany during World War II (1939–1945).
Question
What was Adolf Hitler's belief regarding the German people?
Answer
He believed they were superior to everyone and born to rule the world.
Question
Who is Max Vandenburg in the context of the Hubermann household?
Answer
A Jewish man they are hiding in their basement to keep him safe.
Question
What is the potential consequence for the Hubermanns if Max is discovered?
Answer
They will be arrested and put to death.
Question
What "unsettling news" does Liesel hear while playing football?
Answer
A division of the NSDAP is heading toward Himmel Street to check basements.
Question
What does the acronym NSDAP stand for?
Answer
National Socialist German Workers' Party (the Nazi Party).
Question
Term: Frau
Answer
Definition: The German word for Mrs.
Question
Why is the Nazi party checking basements and attics in the town?
Answer
To see if they are suitable to be used as air-raid shelters.
Question
What does the phrase "instant dryness" describe regarding Liesel's reaction to the news?
Answer
Her mouth turning dry due to sudden fear and panic.
Question
How does Liesel create a reason to leave the football game and warn her parents?
Answer
She intentionally collides with another player to fake a significant injury.
Question
Who is the boy Liesel collides with during the football game?
Answer
Klaus Behrig.
Question
Why does Liesel refuse Rudy’s help to walk home after her injury?
Answer
She needs to get home quickly and alone to warn her family about the inspection.
Question
What does Liesel do to convince Rudy to fetch her father instead of helping her himself?
Answer
She drops to the ground a second time to make her injury appear more severe.
Question
What color is used to describe Hans Hubermann’s eyes?
Answer
Silver.
Question
Term: Shemozzle
Answer
Definition: A state of confused and chaotic thoughts.
Question
What was Mama's initial suggestion for hiding Max during the inspection?
Answer
Putting him under the bed in Liesel's room.
Question
What does it mean when the text says Papa "rose to the occasion"?
Answer
He set aside his panic and dealt with the dangerous situation calmly.
Question
Why does Papa shove a cloth into Liesel's knee injury when the Nazi officer arrives?
Answer
To make her wince and provide a convincing distraction of concern for her injury.
Question
What is the Nazi party member's reaction to Liesel's injury when he enters the house?
Answer
He is surprisingly "chirpy" and makes light of her being a "maniacal football player."
Question
How does the Nazi officer describe the purpose of his basement inspection?
Answer
To see if it is suitable for a shelter for just a minute or two.
Question
What does it mean for Liesel to be "cooked" during the inspection?
Answer
She was in a very bad physical and emotional state, feeling physically hurt and disturbed.
Question
What was Max Vandenburg doing while the Nazi officer was in the basement?
Answer
He was huddled beneath the steps, holding a pair of rusty scissors like a knife.
Question
Why was the Hubermanns' basement ultimately not chosen as a shelter?
Answer
The Nazi officer judged it to be too shallow.
Question
What does the term "unsettling" mean?
Answer
Making someone feel mildly nervous or worried.
Question
Term: Perplexed
Answer
Definition: Confused because of a lack of knowledge or understanding.
Question
Term: Grimacing
Answer
Definition: Twisting one's face in an ugly way, typically due to pain.
Question
Term: Audacity
Answer
Definition: An excess of courage or boldness.
Question
Term: Huddled
Answer
Definition: Sitting with arms and legs held tightly together, often due to fear.
Question
When is the indefinite article "a" used?
Answer
Before a singular, countable, unspecified thing beginning with a consonant sound.
Question
When is the indefinite article "an" used?
Answer
Before a singular, countable, unspecified thing beginning with a vowel sound.
Question
Which article is used for a specific thing that has already been mentioned or is unique?
Answer
The article "the".
Question
Under what condition is the "zero article" used for countable nouns?
Answer
When referring to a class or category in the plural (e.g., "Elephants are large").
Question
Which determiner is used with singular countable nouns to indicate one of two?
Answer
Either (or neither).
Question
Which determiners are used exclusively with plural countable nouns?
Answer
Many, both, a few, few, these, or specific numbers.
Question
Which determiners are used exclusively with singular uncountable nouns?
Answer
Much, little, a little, less, this, or that.
Question
What is the grammatical difference between using "few" and "several"?
Answer
"Few" implies a small, often insufficient number, while "several" implies more than a couple but not many.
Question
Which determiner should be used in the sentence: "I speak a _____ English"?
Answer
Little (as English is an uncountable noun).
Question
Which determiner is correct for singular countable nouns: "each" or "all"?
Answer
Each.
Question
In punctuation, what is the purpose of a pair of dashes?
Answer
To set off additional or parenthetical information from the rest of the sentence.
Question
According to the Langston Hughes poem, what did Helen Keller find "in the dark"?
Answer
She found light brighter than many ever see.
Question
What does the poem suggest Keller achieved through "the soul’s own mastery"?
Answer
She found loveliness within herself.
Question
Term: Dower
Answer
Definition: A store of wealth or a natural talent/gift.
Question
What is the "message" the world receives from Helen Keller according to the poem?
Answer
The message of the strength of inner power.
Question
What was the name of the concentration camp where Helga Weiss was first sent?
Answer
Terezin.
Question
How many Jewish children were transported to Terezin, and how many saw Prague again?
Answer
15,000 children were transported, and only about 100 survived.
Question
What did Helga Weiss hide under her clothes to survive in the camp?
Answer
Cabbages and lettuce.
Question
What happened to Helga Weiss's father in 1944?
Answer
He was carted off to another camp and never seen again.
Question
In the Nazi camps, what did the "right" side usually signify during selection?
Answer
Being healthy enough to work.
Question
How did Helga Weiss's mother help save her life during the selection process?
Answer
She warned Helga to lie and say she was older than she actually was.
Question
What does it mean when the text says Rosa Hubermann "melted" after the Nazi left?
Answer
She collapsed or went limp from the sudden release of extreme tension.
Question
What is the purpose of "air-raid shelters"?
Answer
To protect people from bombs dropped by aircraft onto targets on the ground.
Question
Which determiner type includes the words "whose," "which," and "what"?
Answer
Interrogatives.
Question
Which determiner type includes the words "my," "your," and "his"?
Answer
Possessives.
Question
Which determiner type includes the words "first," "last," and "another"?
Answer
Ordinals.
Question
Which determiner type includes the words "some," "many," and "all"?
Answer
Positive Quantifiers.