Dwarfism

Since Trudi is a dwarf, I thought it would be nice to learn more about the conditions and symptoms of dwarfism and what it is. The link below gives more information on the different kinds of dwarves and their medical conditions.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dwarfism/DS01012/DSECTION=symptoms

More About Bullying

In this book, Trudi gets bullied by other children and adults. I think it's important that everyone should be treated equally and with respect. That's why I chose the following link to include in this post. It talks about bullying and how to know if you are a bully or being bullied. It offers help and also has some cool games.

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus/teens/

Archetypal Settings and Events

The hardships that Trudi had to face, such as her mother and her many friends that died, could be seen as rites of initiation. At some point in our lives, we all experience that same feeling and emotion. Her journey could be how she finds herself and accepts her heighth.
The sea represents the chaos of the war and the deaths that have occurred.

Archetypes

The main character, Trudi, would have to be a seeker. She lives her life trying to find her true being. Trudi always wanted to be normal like other people, but came to love her difference. She could also be seen as an innocent because she found who she really was by accident after many years of trying to be normal.
The unknown benefactor, Emil Hesping, could be seen as a caregiver because he helped families in time of need. When somebody needed something, he was always there to give a secret gift that would help.
Leo and Trudi could also be seen as heroes. They helped to hide fugitives from the Nazis in times of need. They fed and sheltered them, even though they were risking their own lives in the process.
Hitler could be seen as a hero or a villian; depending on which way you look at it. Some believe he was doing good by providing new jobs and providing food for the people, but others see him as a villain because he is cruel and a killer.

Judgement

I thought this book was pretty good, although I was often depressed throughout it. The things that happened in the book were real things that were actually happening during this time all throughout World War I and World War II. I recommend this book to readers that are not easily depressed and like survival/war stories. I, personally, was very sad when I read it, but it helped me to appreciate who I am and where I live. I'm glad that I don't have to live with the struggles and discrimination that Trudi had to live with.

Best and Worst Parts

There are many good and bad things about this book. The best part about it is that, I think, everyone can relate to it in some way. During our lives we all lose someone that is very near and dear to us. It helps us to appreciate our lives as they are now because things have changed since the early 1900's. We are judged less on appearances and more on personality. There isn't as much racial conflict, and that helps to appreciate the story and how things were.
There are also many bad parts about this book. There are so many deaths and discrimination. I, often times, felt that America was fighting fire with fire. They were supposed to be helping the people and treat them with respect, but sometimes they could be cruel. I felt like that every time I got close to a character, they died. It was a rather depressing book.

Conflict and Resolution

The conflict in this book would have to be the fact that Trudi is a dwarf. She is treated differently than other people, and this angers her. She lives her life trying to find a way to fit in, but, instead, finds a way to love who she is; different. She takes her life experiences and learns from them helping her to cope with her size. She finally meets a man that she falls in love with and who truly loves her back. He loves her for what's inside; not her appearance.