What is the theme of Letters from Rifka?
The American Dream Rifka’s family’s journey is in pursuit of their American dream; the idea that in the United States, anyone can succeed regardless of their family background, race, or religion. However, this idea is contradicted and mediated by several harsh truths about the reality of succeeding in America.
Is Letters from Rifka a true story?
Based on a true story from the author’s family, Letters from Rifka presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit.
Why did Karen Hesse Write Letters from Rifka?
Letters From Rifka is largely inspired by my great aunt’s early experiences. The next time you are visiting with the elders in your family try to get them to tell tales about their childhood. I’m willing to bet you have more than a few treasures growing on your own family tree.
How old is Rifka in Letters from Rifka?
Twelve year-old
Twelve year-old Rifka is the strong Jewish heroine of this historical novel. The year is 1919 and Rifka and her family are making the arduous journey from hardship in the Ukraine to freedom in America.
What does Rifka say she will do when she reaches America?
What does Rifka say she will do when she reaches America? Rifka says she will do everything when she reaches America. Why is the Pushkin book of poetry so important to Rifka? The Pushkin book of poetry is important to Rifka because her cousin Tovah gave it to her so she can learn.
Why does Rifka’s mother take the candlesticks?
Why does Rifka’s mother take the candlesticks? She does not want the peasants to steal them. She hopes to use them as a weapon. They were a gift from her beloved sister.
Why does the doctor say Rifka can’t go to America?
The doctor says Rifka can’t go to America because she has a skin disease called ringworm. 3.
What is the genre of Letters from Rifka?
Children’s literature
Historical FictionYoung adult fictionEpistolary novelhistorical novel
Letters from Rifka/Genres
How many languages did Rifka learn?
Rifka was quite a clever girl. By the end of the book, she could speak in five languages. Back when she lived in Russia, she could speak Russian and Yiddish. She picked up Polish when she was in Poland.
How did Rifka catch ringworm?
After going into Poland and getting infected with typhus, the rest of her family, besides Saul, got infected and had to wait to go to Belgium. Then, Rifka got ringworm when they were about to go to America from Belgium and she got left behind. The sailor that Rifka met on the boat on the way to America.
Where does Rifka stay while recovering?
They suffer through hunger, theft, and Rifka gets a skin disease, ringworm, which forces her to stay behind in Belgium while her family travels to America. In Belgium people are kind to Jewish people and she is able to recover from her illness.
What is the plot of the story Letters from Rifka?
Letters from Rifka- Plot Summary. Letters from Rifka is a story about a Jewish girl that escapes to America because her brothers are wanted by the German Army. Along the way she faces many obstacles and the only way she feels comfort is when she writes in a book called Pushkin, that her cousin gave her.
Does letters from Rifka have a happy ending?
For some reason I was afraid the story wouldn’t have a happy ending, but I was pleasantly surprised and glad for Rifka, after all that she endured alone. Letters from Rifka is the riveting story of a young girl and her family who make a daring and courageous escape from the progroms of 1919 Russia.
Is there a study guide for letters from Rifka?
Letters from Rifka Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion and a Free Quiz on Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse.
What does Rifka write to Tovah in the book?
Rifka takes a volume of Alexander Pushkin’s poetry given to her by her cousin Tovah, and it is on the pages of this book that Rifka writes her letters to Tovah, though she knows she cannot actually send them to her. The family’s first stop is Poland. At the border, they are ordered to strip naked for inspection and are interrogated.