The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a powerful and emotional novel that tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Hannah Stern. Hannah, who lives in New Rochelle, New York, is transported back in time to 1941 Poland during World War II, where she is sent to a concentration camp. The book is a work of historical fiction that explores the horrors of the Holocaust and the impact it had on the Jewish people.
The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in history, particularly the history of the Holocaust. It is a poignant and moving story that captures the reader’s attention from the very first page. Yolen’s writing is powerful and evocative, and she does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
Overall, The Devil’s Arithmetic is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable horrors.
Author Background
Jane Yolen’s Literary Career
Jane Yolen is an award-winning American writer of children’s books, fantasy, and science fiction. She has published over 400 books, including novels, story collections, and picture books. Yolen is known for her ability to write in various genres and for her captivating storytelling.
Yolen’s literary career began in the 1960s with the publication of her first book, “Pirates in Petticoats,” a collection of poems for children. Since then, she has written many books for children and young adults, including “The Devil’s Arithmetic,” which won the National Jewish Book Award in 1989.
Historical Fiction Works
Yolen has written several historical fiction works throughout her career, including “The Devil’s Arithmetic.” This novel tells the story of a young Jewish girl who is transported back in time to the Holocaust. Yolen’s other historical fiction works include “The Ballad of the Pirate Queens,” “Armageddon Summer,” and “The Rogues.”
Yolen’s historical fiction works are known for their attention to detail and their ability to transport readers to a different time and place. Her writing is both educational and entertaining, making her books popular with both children and adults.
Plot Overview
In “The Devil’s Arithmetic” by Jane Yolen, the protagonist Hannah Stern is a 12-year-old Jewish girl living in New Rochelle, New York. She views her family’s Jewish traditions as a boring obligation and is afraid of her Grandpa Will, who has fits where he seems to relive his time in the concentration camps during the Holocaust.
During a Passover Seder at her grandparent’s home, Hannah is transported back in time to a Jewish village in Poland in 1942. She finds herself in the middle of a Nazi concentration camp, where she is forced to work alongside other Jewish prisoners. As she struggles to survive, she witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand and learns the importance of remembering and honoring the past.
Throughout the novel, Hannah is forced to confront her own prejudices and ignorance about the Holocaust and the Jewish culture. She learns to appreciate her heritage and the sacrifices made by her ancestors, ultimately returning to the present day with a newfound understanding and respect for her family and her Jewish identity.
Characters
Hannah Stern
Hannah is the protagonist of “The Devil’s Arithmetic.” At the beginning of the novel, she is a twelve-year-old Jewish girl living in New Rochelle, New York. During a Passover Seder, she is transported back in time to 1942 Poland, where she assumes the identity of Chaya, a Jewish girl her own age. Hannah is initially confused and frightened by her new surroundings, but she gradually adapts to life in the concentration camp and becomes determined to survive.
Rivka
Rivka is a young girl who befriends Hannah/Chaya in the concentration camp. She is a courageous and resourceful character who helps Hannah/Chaya navigate the harsh realities of life in the camp. Rivka is also a symbol of hope and resilience, as she never loses her faith in the possibility of survival and freedom.
Grandpa Will
Grandpa Will is Hannah’s grandfather, who is a Holocaust survivor. He is initially hesitant to talk about his experiences in the concentration camp, but he eventually opens up to Hannah and helps her understand the importance of remembering the past. Grandpa Will serves as a mentor and guide to Hannah, providing her with the knowledge and strength she needs to face the challenges ahead.
Aunt Eva
Aunt Eva is Hannah’s great-aunt, who is also a Holocaust survivor. She is a strong-willed and outspoken character who is not afraid to speak her mind. Aunt Eva serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of never forgetting the past. She also helps Hannah understand the sacrifices that her ancestors made and the legacy they left behind.
Themes and Motifs
Memory and the Past
One of the main themes in “The Devil’s Arithmetic” by Jane Yolen is memory and the past. The novel explores the power of memory, and how it can be used to preserve the past and ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The protagonist, Hannah, is transported back in time to the concentration camps, where she witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. Through her experiences, she gains a deeper understanding of the importance of remembering the past and honoring the memories of those who suffered.
The Importance of Cultural Heritage
Another major theme in the novel is the importance of cultural heritage. Throughout the book, Yolen emphasizes the need to preserve cultural traditions and identities, even in the face of adversity. The Seder dinner at the beginning of the novel serves as a powerful symbol of Jewish culture and tradition, and the sacrifices made by the characters throughout the story highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage, even in the face of persecution.
Survival and Resistance
Finally, “The Devil’s Arithmetic” explores the themes of survival and resistance. The characters in the novel are forced to endure unimaginable hardships, but they never give up hope. They fight back against their oppressors in small ways, through acts of resistance and rebellion. Through their struggles, they demonstrate the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul.
Literary Analysis
Narrative Structure
The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen follows a linear narrative structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Hannah, who is transported back in time to a Jewish village in Poland during the Holocaust. The author uses flashbacks to provide insight into Hannah’s family history and to create a sense of tension and anticipation. The use of foreshadowing is also evident throughout the novel, as Yolen hints at the tragic events that will unfold.
Symbolism
Symbolism is a prominent literary device in The Devil’s Arithmetic. The title itself is symbolic, as it refers to the mathematical equation used to calculate the number of Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. The apple tree that Hannah is drawn to in the village is also symbolic, representing the Tree of Life in Jewish tradition. The numbers tattooed on the arms of the prisoners in the concentration camp symbolize the dehumanization and loss of identity that occurred during the Holocaust.
Use of Language
Yolen’s use of language in The Devil’s Arithmetic is both descriptive and emotive. The author vividly describes the horrors of the concentration camp and the daily struggles of the Jewish villagers. She also uses figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, to convey the emotions of the characters and to create a sense of atmosphere. For example, when Hannah first arrives in the village, Yolen describes the air as being “heavy as lead,” which creates a foreboding mood.
Historical Context
The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a historical fiction novel that takes place during World War II, specifically dealing with the Holocaust. The novel is set in the United States and Poland. The novel is set in 1988, but the protagonist, Hannah Stern, is transported back in time to 1941 Poland, where she experiences the horrors of the concentration camps firsthand.
During World War II, Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, implemented a policy of genocide against the Jewish people, which is now known as the Holocaust. Millions of Jews were systematically murdered in concentration camps, gas chambers, and other places of execution. The novel doesn’t mention Hitler by name, but he is the man most responsible for the atrocities that occur in the novel.
The story is set during Passover, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The novel explores the themes of identity, memory, and the importance of bearing witness to historical events. The Devil’s Arithmetic is a powerful and moving novel that sheds light on one of the darkest periods in human history.
Critical Reception
The Devil’s Arithmetic has been widely praised for its unique approach to the Holocaust. The novel has been described as a powerful and moving work that captures the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust in a way that is accessible to young readers. The book has been recommended as an important resource for teaching young people about the Holocaust.
Critics have lauded Jane Yolen’s ability to weave together history and fantasy in a way that is both informative and engaging. The novel’s time-travel plot has been praised for its ability to give readers a sense of what it might have been like to live through the Holocaust. The book has been recommended for its ability to help readers understand the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
Overall, The Devil’s Arithmetic has been praised for its ability to introduce young readers to the difficult subject of the Holocaust in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. The novel has been recommended as an important resource for educators and parents who want to teach young people about this important period in history.