How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I really don't think anyone will [come]. But it never hurts to be prepared. If anyone should come, even soldiers, you two will be sisters. You are together so much, it will be easy for you to pretend that you are sisters." (4.77)
Sure, it's easy for Ellen and Annemarie to pretend to be sisters. But that doesn't change the fact that Ellen's identity has become a threat to her life. There's no two ways about it: that just stinks.
Quote #5
"You have a blond child sleeping in the other room. And you have this blond daughter—" He gestured toward Annemarie with his head. "Where did you get the dark-haired one?" He twisted the lock of Ellen's hair. "From a different father? From the milkman?" […]
"Or maybe you got her someplace else?" the officer continued with a sneer. "From the Rosens?" (5.62, 5.64)
How important are physical appearances to identity? This soldier seems to think that a different hair color means a different family. Oh, and he happens to be right this time. But is it fair to judge someone's identity based on their looks?
Quote #6
Annemarie knew that Mama was lying again, and she could see that Mama understood that she knew. They looked at each other for a long time and said nothing. In that moment, with that look, they became equals. (9.34)
Coming-of-age much? Annemarie goes from kid to adult really stinkin' fast in this novel. Usually we consider innocence to be part of a young person's identity. Do you think Annemarie loses her innocence over the course of Number the Stars, or does she still have some kid left in her?