The German Girl

Hannah’s mother wears elegant clothes and makeup on the day she flees her home country. Why do you think she does this? If you were forced to flee your home under similar circumstances, would you think it was important to dress nicely? Why or why not?

Hannah says, “In our family, we don’t kill ourselves; we let ourselves die” (248). What is the difference between letting oneself die and killing oneself, and why do you think it is important for Hannah to make this distinction?

When Catalina, Hannah, Anna, and Anna’s mother visit the cemetery in Havana, Anna’s mother brings stones to place on a family grave. When Catalina seems offended at the gesture, Anna says, “Flowers wither […] Stones last. They will be there forever, unless somebody dares to move them. Stones protect” (232). Who is right in this argument? Do you think stones or flowers are a more appropriate ornament for a grave? Why or why not? Use examples from The German Girl to support your answer.