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Signs of War
In Warsaw, Antonina sees"antiaircraft sites ringing the city, civilians digging trenches and erecting barricades, and...posters that announced an imminent draft" (43). The day before, Germany & the Soviet Union signed a nonagression pact. Negative Character Development: After trying to avoid the possibility of war for so long, she is no longer optimistic about the future. This relates to the theme since she does everything she can to protect her son, showing kindness. -
Invasion of Poland
The German invasion of Poland led to the beginning of World War II. The Warsaw Zoo is closed and Antonina and her son leave, while her Jan stays to take care of the creatures. Negative Character Development: After the invasion occurs, Antonina isn’t as hopeful or optimistic for her and her family’s future. She begins to prepare for the worst and feels lost. It relates to the theme of kindness because the Zabinskis help others and the animals, putting others before themselves. -
The Zabinskis hide Guests in their villa
The Zabinskis hide Jewish "Guests" from the Underground in their villa at the zoo. Positive Turning Point: This changes the story's direction because it guides the Zabinskis' lives and the plot for the rest of the book. This relates to the theme the story conveys because it shows how Antonina and her husband, Jan, are upstanders who help others when they see things are wrong. They show kindness when they don't have to, helping out strangers even if it means risking their own lives. -
Antonina's Leg Infection
Antonina contracted a leg infection (phlebitis) and was confined to bed rest until spring. Negative Character Development: Antonina begins to feel helpless, embarrassed, & useless, unable to help the others. When she heals months later, she works harder than ever. It relates to the theme because it shows Antonina’s kindness towards others. She wants to help the Guests in danger even though she can't, though tries her best. While bedridden, the Guests return her kindness & help her. -
The Warsaw Ghetto is Liquidated
After the Warsaw Ghetto is liquidated, more Guests including the Kenigsweins, old friends of the Zabinskis, hide in the Villa. Negative Character Development: Antonina feels desperate and embarrassed that she can't do more to help the Kenigsweins. This relates to the theme because it shows Antonina's kindness and compassion as she feels guilt for not being able to do much for the Kenigsweins. She tries her best to help them even though it endangers her and her family's lives. -
The Germans Threaten to Kill the Inhabitants of the Villa
Two SS men pretend to kill Antonina's son and another teenage helper as a joke. Antonina nearly faints while holding her infant daughter (in the photo) and the SS man tells her to sit. Positive Character Development: Antonina later writes that she believes true evil does not exist, since the men chose not to kill the children and kindly told her to sit down as she was holding her daughter. This relates to the theme because it shows that kindness prevails and can save lives. -
Theme: Kindness and compassion are the most important things of all.
