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Class 7: Unit-2: Anna and Max (Notebook Work)

 Background of the Story: Judith Kerr wrote “Anna and Max”, an excerpt from her semi-autobiographical novel When Hitler Stole the Pink Rabbit. The story is based on Kerr’s own childhood experiences during the rise of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. Like the characters in the story, Kerr and her family fled Germany to escape the persecution of Jews. The story explores racial prejudice, friendship, injustice, and the effects of Nazi ideology on children and society.

Summary in Points

  1. Anna and Max escape Nazi persecution with their parents and stay at a lakeside inn in Switzerland.
  2. They become close friends with the innkeepers’ children: Vreneli, Franz, and Trudi Zwirn.
  3. Two German children, Siegfried and Gudrun, arrive at the inn.
  4. Initially, all the children happily play together.
  5. Their mother suddenly stops them from playing with Anna and Max because they are Jewish.
  6. Anna feels confused and hurt by the German lady’s rude behaviour.
  7. Anna and Max later realise that racial prejudice is the reason behind the rejection.
  8. Their mother argues with the German woman about her discriminatory attitude.
  9. Anna’s father tells Herr Zwirn to let his children decide whom they want to be friends with.
  10. Vreneli and Franz choose Anna and Max over the German children.
  11. The German family leaves the inn the next day.
  12. Anna feels sad because Siegfried seemed to want friendship but could not oppose his upbringing.
  13. The story ends with a message about the dangers of prejudice and the importance of empathy and courage.

Flowchart

Nazi Persecution in Germany
⬇
Anna and Max Escape to Switzerland
⬇
Friendship with Zwirn Children
⬇
Arrival of German Children
⬇
Children Play Together Happily
⬇
German Mother Forbids Friendship
⬇
Anna and Max Feel Hurt & Confused
⬇
Parents Confront the Situation
⬇
Zwirn Children Choose Friendship & Empathy
⬇
German Family Leaves
⬇
Reflection on Prejudice & Indoctrination

Setting

  • Place: A lakeside inn in Switzerland.
  • Time: During the rise of Nazi Germany before World War II.
  • The peaceful Swiss setting contrasts with the hatred and prejudice brought by Nazi ideology.

Tone & Mood

Tone - Serious, sympathetic, thought-provoking and emotional.
Mood -  Tense, sad, uncomfortable, hopeful at times and bittersweet.

Perspective - The story is told from a third-person perspective, mainly focusing on Anna’s thoughts and feelings. Readers understand events through her innocent and confused viewpoint.

Central Idea - The central idea of the story is that prejudice and hatred based on race or religion are deeply harmful. The story also highlights the importance of friendship, empathy, moral courage, and standing up against injustice instead of remaining neutral.

Themes

1. Racial Prejudice - The story shows how Nazi ideology spread discrimination against Jews.

2. Friendship -True friendship crosses social and cultural boundaries.

3. Courage and Moral Choice - The Zwirn children choose what is right even when it is difficult.

4. Effects of Indoctrination - Children are influenced by the beliefs and prejudices of adults.

5. Neutrality vs. Justice - The story shows that remaining neutral during injustice can support wrongdoing.

6. Loss and Displacement - Anna and Max experience emotional pain even after escaping Germany.

Message - The story conveys that:

  • Prejudice and discrimination are dangerous.
  • Friendship and empathy can overcome hatred.
  • People must stand against injustice instead of remaining silent.
  • Children should be taught tolerance and acceptance.
  • Society has a responsibility to protect human dignity and equality.

Literary Devices

1. Contrast - The peaceful setting contrasts with the hateful behaviour of the German lady.

2. Symbolism 

  • The lake symbolises peace and freedom.
  • The rejection symbolises the spread of Nazi ideology.

3. Irony - Although the family escaped Germany, they still face discrimination in Switzerland.

4. Imagery -  The author vividly describes the inn, the lake, and the emotional atmosphere.

5. Foreshadowing - The behaviour of the German family hints at the growing influence of Nazi beliefs.

Title Justification & Significance

Justification - The title “Anna and Max” focuses on the two siblings who experience prejudice and emotional pain because of racial discrimination.

Significance

  • The title highlights the innocence of children affected by hatred.
  • It emphasises sibling unity and shared struggles.
  • It represents the experiences of countless refugee children during Nazi rule.

Motif - Recurring motifs in the story include:

  • Friendship
  • Exclusion and rejection
  • Choice and morality
  • Innocence of childhood
  • Effects of prejudice

These motifs reinforce the story’s anti-discrimination message.

Characters and Character Traits

1. Anna - Sensitive, innocent, kind, thoughtful and emotionally mature.
2. Max - Supportive, caring, confused by injustice and loyal.
3. Anna and Max’s Mother - Protective, brave, strong-willed and emotional.
4. Anna’s Father - Wise, principled, courageous and fair-minded.
5. Vreneli and Franz Zwirn - Loyal, compassionate, courageous and friendly.
6. Siegfried and Gudrun - Friendly at heart, obedient, conflicted and influenced by adults.
7. German Lady: Prejudiced, arrogant, harsh and intolerant.
8. Herr Zwirn: Neutral initially, practical, and eventually fair-minded.




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