Resist: A Story of D-Day

The Impact of War on Civilians comes into focus as a theme through Samira’s experience in Bayeux. She arrives in the city, hoping to find help, but is met with fear and uncertainty from the locals. Only one woman is willing to risk helping her, as they’re all afraid that the Nazis will return and punish anyone who acts against them. This atmosphere of fear and helplessness emphasizes the dire situation of civilians during wartime, where even the simplest acts of kindness or aid involve significant risk. The tension in Bayeux is thick as Samira navigates this haunting setting, understanding that the risk of being caught could mean death or imprisonment. In this context, the motif of the sounds of war is a consistently present motif, heightening the tension and illustrating the ever-present threat of violence. Even spoken sounds are threatening, as when a soldier pretends to shoot Samira, mouthing a “pakow” sound before smirking at her. This moment hints at the cruelty and unpredictability of the Nazi soldiers. They have power over the civilians and treat them as lesser-than, illustrating how the war dehumanizes not only the soldiers but also the people they encounter.

Samira’s questions reflect her thought processes. On two consecutive pages (33-34), such questions mirror Samira’s internal confusion and frustration. Her questions emphasize her uncertainty about the situation and encourage readers to think critically about the war and its effects, mirroring Samira’s struggle to understand her environment. In addition, a simile compares Nazis to wasps: “The Nazis were like wasps. Even if you thought they were ignoring you, one of them could still sting you when you were least expecting it” (39). The wasp metaphor is effective because it conveys the idea that danger is always hovering nearby, even if it’s not immediately visible. Just as one might relax thinking a wasp is harmless or absent, civilians in occupied France might let their guard down, only for a German attack to sting them when they least expect it. This simile reflects the unpredictability of war, where moments of false comfort can turn dangerous.

The use of imagery, particularly in the description of northern France, enhances the mood of the narrative. One passage describes the coming of dawn and the possibility of Samira’s mother’s death:

It was almost dawn—that strange time when it’s still dark but the birds wake up and the forest comes to life with the scuttling of little animals. The air was sharp and cool, and dew glistened on the grass. Any minute now, the sun would peek up over the horizon, turning the blue-gray sky orange (33).

This scene creates a vivid snapshot of the natural world as Samira faces the anxiety of running out of time. The juxtaposition of the peaceful image of dawn with Samira’s fear of being too late heightens the tension of the moment. The beauty of the morning contrasts with the threat of danger, emphasizing the fragility of life in wartime and how violence can interrupt the peace of nature at any moment.

The suspense of the plot builds as Samira receives crucial support from Clarke, who provides her with a dagger, food, and water, signifying her growing sense of resourcefulness and independence. Despite the dire situation, Samira refuses to give up, even when it seems like the soldiers are uninterested in her anymore. This turn of events is significant because it shows her transition from the initial fear of being caught to a realization that survival is possible, highlighting the theme of Resilience and Resistance Against Oppression. The city of Bayeux in northern France is historically significant as one of the first towns that the Allies liberated after D-Day. At this moment, the town seems deserted and is still under the control of the German occupation. However, Samira’s observation that “none of them seemed to care about her anymore” (36) emphasizes the shift in the power dynamic that occurred quickly once the invasion began. Previously, she was under constant threat, constantly worrying about being caught by the Nazis. Now, however, the soldiers seem indifferent to her presence.