Refugee Chapter 29

What does the line “Isabel woke to a warm orange glow on the horizon and a silver sea stretching out before them like a mirror” (Gratz 171) symbolize in terms of setting?

• The dangerous nature of the sea

• A new day and renewed hope

• Isabel’s fear of the unknown

• A flashback to better times

How does the line “For Mami, the nightmare was just beginning” (Gratz 171) contribute to the theme?

• It emphasizes the beauty of childbirth.

• It highlights how dreams can turn into reality.

• It shows how hope can turn to dread quickly.

• It reveals Mami’s hope for the future.

What internal conflict does Isabel experience when she thinks, “…Isabel worried that it wouldn’t be as magical a place as everyone in the boat believed” (Gratz 172)?

• She is afraid of sharks attacking their raft.

• She doubts her ability to lead her family.

• She fears the reality of the U.S. may not match their hopes.

• She thinks Cuba may have been a better place after all.

The officer says, “You are not allowed to land…” (Gratz 175). What theme is most reflected by this moment?

• The kindness of strangers

• Hope and family unity

• Life’s shocking twists and turns

• Cultural misunderstandings

The line “She wanted her mother to get better, but she didn’t want them to be sent back to Cuba” shows Isabel’s...

• selfishness and fear of change

• desire to stay in Cuba after all

• conflict between her heart and mind

• belief in herself

When Mami says “I will not go back. I will stay with my family” (Gratz 177), what aspect of her characterization is being highlighted?

• Her fear of the unknown

• Her loyalty and determination

• Her love for a new life

• Her giving up on life

How does Isabel’s feeling in “Her heart ached with gratitude…” (Gratz 178) contribute to the theme?

• Even small acts of kindness can mean survival.

• Isabel regrets her decision to leave Cuba.

• Family is stronger than politics.

• The sea is cruel and relentless.

How does the refusal of the Bahamian officer to let the refugees land affect the plot?

• It marks the end of their journey.

• It introduces humor at a time when greatly needed.

• It is a flashback serving to emphasize future events.

• It provides a quick shift and change in events, building suspense.

What does the image of the “silver sea stretching out before them like a mirror” (Gratz 171) symbolize?

• The harshness of reality

• A reflection of their past struggles

• Hope for a promising future

• The coldness of the ocean

What does Isabel’s continued concern for her mother’s health and safety reveal about her character development?

• She is beginning to trust adults to take charge.

• She is becoming more selfish as the journey continues.

• She is growing into a responsible, selfless leader in her family.

• She wants to abandon the journey to stay in the Bahamas.