Between Shades of Gray

How does the relationship between Lina and her mother change throughout the novel?

• Lina becomes more independent and resents her mother.

• They grow closer through shared hardships, revealing deep mutual respect.

• Lina completely depends on her mother from start to finish.

• They grow apart due to disagreements over survival.

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Which best describes the leadership difference between Andrius’s mother and Elena Vilkas?

• Both rely only on bribery for survival.

• Elena shows quiet strength while Andrius’s mother uses sacrifice and compliance.

• Andrius’s mother leads with kindness, while Elena is harsh.

• Neither takes on a leadership role in the novel.

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How do flashbacks impact your understanding of Lina?

• They confuse the timeline, making her less relatable.

• They highlight her love of nature and her artistic side.

• They deepen her character by showing her happy memories and the contrast to her suffering.

• They show her disinterest in her past.

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Why is Lina’s art significant to her survival?

• It earns her money from guards.

• It helps her forget about her struggles.

• It allows her to rebel openly without fear.

• It’s a way to secretly document injustice and maintain her sense of identity.

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What does her father’s coat symbolize?

• Lina’s rejection of authority.

• The family’s fading wealth.

• Protection and the enduring presence of her father’s love.

• Weakness and dependence.

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How does Sepetys develop the NKVD guards’ characters?

• They are shown only as evil with no redeeming traits.

• They are shown only as evil with no redeeming traits.

• They are humorously portrayed to show their foolishness.

• They have no dialogue or significant interactions.

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What is one consequence of Lina’s defiance?

• She is given leadership of the group.

• She is publicly praised by the NKVD.

• She faces punishment, but it strengthens her resolve and teaches hard lessons.

• She avoids any consequences.

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Which character most strongly embodies hope, and how?

• Jonas, by constantly crying.

• Elena, by refusing to give up her dignity and caring for others.

• The bald man, by complaining frequently.

• The NKVD officers, by offering food.

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How does the Siberian setting affect Lina?

• It strengthens her physically but not emotionally.

• It inspires her to love the Soviet regime.

• It has little effect on her overall character.

• It deepens her despair but also fuels her determination to survive.

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What best explains Lina’s shift in understanding justice?

• She believes justice is always served in the end.

• She continues to believe the world is fair.

• She learns that only the strong deserve justice.

• She realizes justice is complex and often denied to innocent people.

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