Resist: A Story of D-Day

The theme of Hope and Persistence in the Face of Crisis becomes increasingly important in this section as Samira risks her life to save her mother and the other prisoners. This act of defiance reflects the larger resistance efforts throughout the war: Individuals, often out of necessity, fought back against the occupying forces in secret. Samira’s decision to use a Rupert, a dummy designed to mislead the Nazis, is a resourceful resistance tactic. When she realizes that her plan is working, she smiles in a rare moment of triumph amid fear and uncertainty. The smile symbolizes a small victory, not just for Samira but also for the larger cause of the resistance, which depends on such acts of defiance, no matter how small they might seem. This moment shows that even the young can make a difference in the fight against tyranny.

Later, Samira’s mother explains to her that while nobody directly helped Samira, everyone has a role in the resistance and in allowing Samira to reach her. This point emphasizes the collective nature of the resistance effort, in which individual actions contribute to the larger cause, highlighting Resilience and Resistance Against Oppression as a theme.

The Impact of War on Civilians again becomes a central theme when Samira witnesses Nazi soldiers beating her mother and forcing the prisoners to dig their own graves. Samira’s mother, though exhausted and frightened, holds her head high, embodying the strength and resilience necessary to survive in such horrific conditions and showcasing where Samira got her strength. This scene is a pivotal moment in the plot, as Samira’s immediate concern is her mother’s safety, but it also signals a moment of reversal. Samira’s quick thinking leads to her saving her mother from the Nazi soldiers, but in the process, her mother also saves Samira, marking the importance of mutual sacrifice and courage. The use of onomatopoeia—“POOM, POOM-POOM. PaKOOM!” (28)—helps bring the story to life by making the world more immersive. The sounds of war add a layer of realism by communicating the tension and chaos that Samira experiences.

The line “[T]his magical place was about to be defiled by a horrible atrocity” (46) emphasizes the tragedy of seeing something beautiful and sacred like the Bayeux Cathedral transformed into a site of violence and oppression. The cathedral symbolizes French culture and history and the enduring strength of the French people: “The whole front of it was covered with beautiful, intricate stained-glass windows that had somehow survived the Allied bombing of Normandy, just like the rest of the city” (43). Cyrano’s role is pivotal in the story’s conclusion. The terrier’s actions directly contribute to saving Samira’s life and further emphasize the idea of resistance and the importance of solidarity, even among those who can’t speak or make human decisions but instead act out of instinct. Though the immediate danger is over, Samira’s mother remains focused on the ongoing struggle, understanding that much must still be done. Their journey to safety isn’t the end of their challenges, but offers temporary relief. This recognition of the continuing battle aligns with the broader theme of resistance, wherein the fight for freedom is ongoing and requires both patience and determination.