The Night War

Monsieur Thireau slaps Miri harshly and tells her that he has “no choice” in the roundup; do you agree that responsibility lies with only decision makers, or are individuals carrying out orders responsible for their own actions?

How does the massacre of the Huguenots add context and perspective to Miri and Catherine’s discussion of the Holocaust? According to Catherine and Miri’s discussions, what seems to have motivated genocide throughout history?

Describe why gardens bring such comfort to Miri in terms of both literal and sentimental reasons. Cite examples from the text.

Do you believe that Miri makes the right choice in taking Nora, even though it endangers her life? How important is truth and identity compared to physical safety?

Describe how Miri’s Jewish faith acts as a guide to inform her of right and wrong. Cite examples from the text.

Catherine helps Miri escape, even though it means that she will have no one to speak to for decades. How does this action illustrate her development as a character, compared to her priorities when Miri first meets her?

Miri volunteers to help as a passeur, but she is only 12. Do you believe that Sister Annunciata does the morally righteous thing in agreeing to endanger Miri’s life in order to save other lives?

Bette assists Miri in small ways but insists on not knowing too much. Do you believe that this is a responsible way to aid the resistance, or should she have done more?