- 1. In My Hands by Irene Opdyke is a powerful memoir that recounts the harrowing and inspiring experiences of Irene Opdyke, a Polish Catholic woman who became a beacon of hope during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland, the book chronicles Irene's transformation from a carefree young girl into a courageous individual tasked with making life-and-death decisions as she navigates the horrors of war. After witnessing the atrocities and the inhumane treatment of Jews, Irene defies the oppressive regime by bravely sheltering and saving Jewish lives, including that of a Jewish family. The narrative captures her moral dilemmas, the risks she takes to protect others, and the profound impact of her actions, highlighting themes of bravery, humanity, and resistance in the face of overwhelming evil. 'In My Hands' not only serves as a testament to Irene's remarkable spirit and resilience but also as a reminder of the power of individual acts of kindness and courage in the darkest of times.
What is Irene Opdyke's profession at the start of World War II?
A) Secretary
B) Factory Worker
C) Nurse
D) Teacher
- 2. Which country is Irene Opdyke from?
A) Russia
B) Czechoslovakia
C) Poland
D) Germany
- 3. What event causes Irene to initially flee her home?
A) The bombing of Warsaw
B) Her parents' arrest
C) A forced conscription order
D) The invasion of Poland
- 4. How does Irene primarily help the Jews she encounters?
A) By providing food and shelter
B) By bribing officials
C) By leading them to the border
D) By forging documents
- 5. What is the title of Irene Opdyke's memoir?
A) The Hidden Villa
B) A Courageous Heart
C) The Light in the Darkness
D) In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer
- 6. After the war, which country does Irene emigrate to?
A) Canada
B) The United States
C) Israel
D) England
- 7. How does Irene's relationship with Major Rügemer help her?
A) He helps her escape to a neutral country.
B) He provides her with false identification papers.
C) He promotes her to a position of authority.
D) It gives her access to resources and a place to hide people.
- 8. What personal risk does Irene face by helping Jews?
A) Execution if discovered
B) Exile from her country
C) Imprisonment in a labor camp
D) Heavy fines
- 9. What is a key internal conflict Irene describes in her memoir?
A) Choosing between a romantic relationship and her mission
B) Loyalty to her family versus loyalty to her country
C) Whether to leave Poland or stay and fight
D) The struggle between fear and the need to do what is right
- 10. How does Irene's Catholic faith influence her actions?
A) It causes her to question whether she should interfere.
B) It leads her to try to convert the Jews she helps.
C) It has very little influence on her decisions.
D) It strengthens her belief in helping others, regardless of risk.
- 11. What is the primary setting for much of the memoir?
A) Ternopil, Ukraine
B) Krakow, Poland
C) Berlin, Germany
D) Warsaw, Poland
- 12. For decades after the war, what does Irene do regarding her wartime experiences?
A) She works for a war crimes tribunal.
B) She writes a book immediately.
C) She becomes a public speaker.
D) She remains silent about them.
- 13. In the United States, what profession does Irene take up?
A) Writer
B) Nurse
C) Teacher
D) Interior designer
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