Summer of My German Soldier

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. In 1941, the US officially entered World War II (WWII). What event led to the US formally joining this war? Which countries did the US fight with and fight against? How did the population in the US view those who were considered to be the “enemy”?

Teaching Suggestion: This question invites students to consider their prior knowledge of the historical context: life in the US during WWII. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the US formally entered WWII as one of the Allied powers. In addition to supporting France, the UK, and the USSR in the so-called “European theater” against Nazi Germany and other Axis Powers, the US was primarily engaged with fighting Japan in the “Pacific theater.” Other than civilians who were present at Pearl Harbor, most non-enlisted Americans had no interaction with enemy forces. Greene’s novel, therefore, centers on an aspect of war that many Americans would find unfamiliar: the presence of Nazi soldiers on US soil. As a young American Jewish girl, her story is further problematized as she is sympathetic to her new German friend and refuses to view him only as an enemy to her people.

• The National WWII Museum’s “Explore WWII History” is a compilation of student and teacher resources regarding the US involvement in WWII.
• The Hampton Roads Naval Museum provides both pro and anti-Nazi propaganda in a student-facing analysis exercise.

2. Why is it important for parents to show support and care for their children? For example, what are some of the effects that a parent has on the development of the child? What effect can neglect or abuse have on a child?

Teaching Suggestion: This question orients students with the sociological context of the story: the emotional neglect of Patty. Throughout the novel, Patty struggles to connect with her parents, as her mother and father are emotionally and physically abusive to her. As a result of this treatment, Patty ultimately turns to outsiders for love and reassurance: Ruth and Anton provide important emotional support for Patty as she develops. This Short Answer question connects with the themes The Desire For Parental Love and Physical Versus Emotional Deprivation (please note: this question may be triggering for students who are experiencing unsafe and/or unstable home lives. Be sure to have the proper sources of information regarding counseling and/or abuse hotlines available to share if needed).

• This study by the University of Michigan argues that there is a correlation between love between parents and love for their children.
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides general information "About Child Abuse and Neglect."

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Have you ever met someone that had a profound effect on your life, even if you only knew this person for a short period of time? Describe this person, as well as how this individual affected you.

Teaching Suggestion: This Personal Connection Prompt encourages students to consider the important connections they have made in their lives, regardless of how long the relationship lasted. Patty does not feel loved or emotionally connected to her parents; however, she feels an almost immediate connection to Anton, who leaves a profound impact on how she sees her place in the world during their brief time together. This Prompt segues directly to the Discussion/Analysis Prompt, which has a trigger warning disclaimer regarding the content of the novel.