Resist: A Story of D-Day

In Resist, the sounds of World War II are a constant, living force that shapes Samira’s every move, thought, and emotion. The constant explosions of gunfire and bombing contrast with the stealth of the resistance, powerfully showcasing Resilience and Resistance Against Oppression as a theme and emphasizing the strength of Samira’s hope despite daunting circumstances, underscoring the theme of Hope and Persistence in the Face of Crisis. The effect of war on Samira’s emotional state is apparent through tension, fear, and constant sudden danger. In a recurring metaphor, Samira reflects, “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). This simile captures the unpredictable danger of the Nazi regime.

Even when Samira seems ignored, like when she steps off the road and a soldier merely says “pakow” instead of shooting her, the threat always hovers. The wasp imagery implies that even a brief moment of peace is deceptive. The sounds of war reverberate even in this silence. The Nazis might appear uninterested, but their violence could return at any time. The landscape is littered with evidence of bombings, the smell of sulphur often permeates the air, and both Allied and German soldiers are present. At dawn, Samira sees the Allied forces’ Ruperts flooding the sky and witnesses a plane crash. She even helps the soldiers reach their destination, fully involving herself in the war effort. Even during rare moments of beauty, the sounds of war creep in, turning something peaceful into a race against time.