- 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) Nurse
B) Factory Worker
C) Secretary
D) Teacher
- 2. Which country is Irene Opdyke from?
A) Czechoslovakia
B) Russia
C) Poland
D) Germany
- 3. What event causes Irene to initially flee her home?
A) The bombing of Warsaw
B) Her parents' arrest
C) The invasion of Poland
D) A forced conscription order
- 4. How does Irene primarily help the Jews she encounters?
A) By providing food and shelter
B) By forging documents
C) By leading them to the border
D) By bribing officials
- 5. What is the title of Irene Opdyke's memoir?
A) The Light in the Darkness
B) In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer
C) The Hidden Villa
D) A Courageous Heart
- 6. After the war, which country does Irene emigrate to?
A) Israel
B) The United States
C) Canada
D) England
- 7. How does Irene's relationship with Major Rügemer help her?
A) He helps her escape to a neutral country.
B) He promotes her to a position of authority.
C) It gives her access to resources and a place to hide people.
D) He provides her with false identification papers.
- 8. What personal risk does Irene face by helping Jews?
A) Heavy fines
B) Exile from her country
C) Imprisonment in a labor camp
D) Execution if discovered
- 9. What is a key internal conflict Irene describes in her memoir?
A) Choosing between a romantic relationship and her mission
B) Whether to leave Poland or stay and fight
C) Loyalty to her family versus loyalty to her country
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 strengthens her belief in helping others, regardless of risk.
B) It causes her to question whether she should interfere.
C) It has very little influence on her decisions.
D) It leads her to try to convert the Jews she helps.
- 11. What is the primary setting for much of the memoir?
A) Berlin, Germany
B) Warsaw, Poland
C) Krakow, Poland
D) Ternopil, Ukraine
- 12. For decades after the war, what does Irene do regarding her wartime experiences?
A) She remains silent about them.
B) She writes a book immediately.
C) She becomes a public speaker.
D) She works for a war crimes tribunal.
- 13. In the United States, what profession does Irene take up?
A) Nurse
B) Interior designer
C) Writer
D) Teacher
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