Cilka's Journey

Do you agree with the Soviet Army’s decision to condemn Cilka Klein for “sleeping with the enemy?” How might Cilka’s decision to give in to the Nazis’ power be interpreted as a form of resistance? Use two to three specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

Why does the author use flashbacks to create windows to Cilka’s time in Auschwitz in conjunction with her time at Vorkuta? What impact does this narrative style have on the story? Use several examples to illustrate your perspective.

How does Cilka’s experience at Auschwitz help her survive her time at Vorkuta? How does she use this experience to help her friends, and why does she hide the source of her experience from them?