Setting
In literature, the setting can be simply defined as where the story takes place. However, it is important to realize that it is more than this and includes information such as the historical conditions (in this case World War II and the Holocaust), the cultural conditions (such as the king of Denmark), and the geographical locations (Denmark’s geography).
In literature, the setting can be simply defined as where the story takes place. However, it is important to realize that it is more than this and includes information such as the historical conditions (in this case World War II and the Holocaust), the cultural conditions (such as the king of Denmark), and the geographical locations (Denmark’s geography).
Geography of Denmark and Sweden
It is important to notice how close Denmark and Sweden are to one another. Most of the story takes place in Copenhagen, but the girls head north to Gilleleje to the north (near Helsinger on the map pictured here), where Sweden is visible across the sea.
It is important to notice how close Denmark and Sweden are to one another. Most of the story takes place in Copenhagen, but the girls head north to Gilleleje to the north (near Helsinger on the map pictured here), where Sweden is visible across the sea.
Historical Context
Much of the historical context has already been discussed in the opening section of this guide. However, it is important to briefly define the Holocaust here. According to The Holocaust Resource Center’s website, “The Holocaust...is defined as the sum total of all anti-Jewish actions carried out by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945: from stripping the German Jews of their legal and economic status in the 1930s; segregating and starvation in the various occupied countries; the murder of close to six million Jews in Europe.” The key phrase in this definition is “anti-Jewish actions.” Take note of the German soldiers actions against the Jewish people in the novel.
Much of the historical context has already been discussed in the opening section of this guide. However, it is important to briefly define the Holocaust here. According to The Holocaust Resource Center’s website, “The Holocaust...is defined as the sum total of all anti-Jewish actions carried out by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945: from stripping the German Jews of their legal and economic status in the 1930s; segregating and starvation in the various occupied countries; the murder of close to six million Jews in Europe.” The key phrase in this definition is “anti-Jewish actions.” Take note of the German soldiers actions against the Jewish people in the novel.
King Christian X of Denmark and the Danish Resistance Movement
King Christian X (1870 - 1947) was a symbol of Denmark’s resistance to the German occupation during World War II. During the war, he rode his horse through the streets in Denmark (something you will read about in the novel), to show that he was still their king. He made a speech in August 1943 in support of the Danish Resistance fighters that led to his being sent to prison until the end of the war. The Resistance helped save thousands of Danish Jews by helping them escape to Sweden.
King Christian X (1870 - 1947) was a symbol of Denmark’s resistance to the German occupation during World War II. During the war, he rode his horse through the streets in Denmark (something you will read about in the novel), to show that he was still their king. He made a speech in August 1943 in support of the Danish Resistance fighters that led to his being sent to prison until the end of the war. The Resistance helped save thousands of Danish Jews by helping them escape to Sweden.