However, Great-Aunt Birte does not really exist. In Chapter 9 of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars , … Mama has never lied to me before. Annemarie is confused because she doesn't have a Great-aunt Birte. He says that she died of old age. Henrik worries that it is getting late, but then Peter Neilsen arrives along with Ellen's parents. Uncle Henrik announces that their Great-Aunt Birte has passed away. What did Uncle Henrik mean when he stated, "it is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything" (76)? Blossom looked back at him, as if to say “Almost done,” and, indeed, the streams of milk lessened and slowed. Never once, in all the stories I've heard, in all the old pictures I've seen, has there been a Great-aunt Birte.” Uncle Henrik sighed. Analysis The funeral is to be held in the traditional way—in a relative's home—that night. The corpse in Number the Stars is Great-aunt Birte, who really is a pile of clothes and blankets. Why doesn't Annemarie remember who Aunt Birdie is? At Uncle Henrik's, Annemarie is told that her Great-aunt Birte has died and that people are going to gather at the house to pay their final respects. As Mama and Uncle Henrik begin discussing “preparations” for something, Annemarie grows curious about what’s happening. What does Uncle Henrik say happened to great-aunt Birte for the Number the Stars … Never. In Chapter 9, Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie that it is far easier to be brave when one does not know everything. He refused at first but then agreed that it would look less suspicious if he stayed home. a. Mama and Kirsti had gone inside, but Annemarie and Ellen ran across the high-grassed meadow, through the late wildflowers. Henrik turns to Annemarie, Kirsti, and Ellen and tells him that there has been a death in the family. Great-aunt Birte, he says, will be resting in her casket in the living room tonight before being buried tomorrow. How did Papa feel about Mama and the girls going to visit Uncle Henrik without him? Across the hall, Kirsti was already asleep in the wide bed that had once belonged to She does not understand why no one seems sad. Why do you think that Uncle Henrik believes that it will be such a great day for fishing? She is also quite positive that no such aunt ever existed, but she holds her tongue for the moment. Annemarie and her mother prepare food, but Annemarie notices none of the guests brought food, not like at Lise's funeral. A casket arrives at the farmhouse and soon after, strangers gather at the house and sit near the casket. Annemarie is very confused. 11. Chapter 9: Why are You Lying? 1. 1. 2. Ellen, on the other hand, still thinks Great-aunt Birte is a real person and is very sad that the Johansens have lost a relative. What does Uncle Henrik say happened to Great-aunt Birte? They say her Great-aunt Birte has died, but Annemarie knows for sure that she doesn't have a Great-aunt Birte. Less dangerous, perhaps, but more fear. Annemarie knows that there is no Aunt Birte but learns from her uncle that it is easier to be brave if without not knowing something and so she does not tell Ellen the truth about her "aunt." 2. “Yes. But I know there is no Great-aunt Birte. To her surprise, Uncle Henrik announces that their Great-aunt Birte has passed away. A huge casket is placed in the middle of the living room. No one spoke, as there was no Great-Aunt Birte to speak of. Annemarie wants to tell Ellen the truth, but she remembers what Uncle Henrik said and realizes that it will be easier for Ellen to be brave if she does not know. He thinks if she had to be, she could be very courageous. He was still worried and anxious about their safety. More and more guests arrive as the night goes on. b. The next day, Henrik says that Annemarie's Great-Aunt Birte has died. Which statement contains a cause-effect relationship? Girls going to visit Uncle Henrik believes that it would look less suspicious if he stayed home room! 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