The Silver Sword

What is the source of the antipathy between Jan and Edek? What does that antipathy reveal about each boy and their experiences during the war?

Throughout the novel, Jan finds comfort and companionship in animals. What do animals offer Jan that human beings cannot? What do animals symbolize in the novel, to Jan and in general?

This story is filled with determined characters who persist through incredible hardship. In your opinion, which character most encapsulates the character traits of resilience and determination? Justify your opinion with textual evidence.

Joseph may have found his children if he had stayed in Warsaw rather than leaving for Switzerland, but Serraillier chose instead to keep them separated. What does the children’s journey enable Serraillier to explore that following Joseph’s journey—or reuniting the children with their father earlier—would not?

The Balicki children have already experienced significant challenges in reaching Switzerland. What, then, is the narrative purpose of the final storm on the lake? What does that moment add to the themes or characters that would be missing if it were omitted?

The novel is written in omniscient third-person narration. How might the story change if it were told through the point of view of only one of the characters?

Serraillier’s characters have a happy ending, but most families who were separated during World War II did not rediscover all of their family members alive and well. Why give the Balickis’ such an unrealistically happy ending? How does their reunion contribute to the novel’s messages about war, resilience, and family?

The Wolff family challenges Jan’s beliefs about German people, proving that some of them are good people despite what the Nazis did to Poland. Why does Serraillier include a sympathetic German family? How do the Wolffs contribute to the novel’s stance on war?