The Light in Hidden Places

Stefania’s story emphasizes the importance of determination and courage. Without bravery and willpower, Stefania and the Jews arguably don’t survive. To endure the heinous conditions and life-or-death threats, the characters require pluck and valor.

Before World War II breaks out, and the mass murder starts, Stefania displays determination and courage. As a young teen, she moves from the country to the big city and holds down a job. Once the Nazis take over, Stefania’s courage and determination reach heroic heights. She bravely sneaks into the ghetto to give the Diamants food and essential items. She courageously hides them and figures out how to keep them alive when the two German nurses move in. The German nurses represent one of many unexpected difficulties. Stefania also has to deal with an array of predatory men, a ruthless boss, the trauma of losing Izio, and the ever present worry that Nazis might discover her situation and kill her, Helena, and the 13 concealed Jews. After the person beats Helena, Stefania cries. She admits, “I have never, ever wanted so much to give up” (334). Yet Stefania stays determined. She persists against nearly nonstop hardship and keeps herself, her sister, and the Jews alive. As the war ends, Stefania realizes, “I might win this game I’ve been playing against hate” (371). Through courage and determination, Stefania triumphs over the genocidal Nazis.

The Jews, too, display courage and determination. Max boldly leaps from the train and returns to Stefania’s house. His determination to survive compels him to dig the bunker and build the fake hiding place in the attic. Schillinger shows bravery by pretending to be Stefania’s boss in front of the police. Dziusia displays courage and willpower when she crosses the bridge guarded by SS men. By not going along with the Nazi commands, the 13 Jews courageously resist the genocidal program. About Max, Stefania says, “He chose life” (178). The sentiment arguably applies to all the Jews under Stefania’s care. Their brave determination helps them subvert their deadly fate.

Stefania’s interaction with the Jewish policeman in the ghetto complicates the theme of determination and bravery. Stefania suggests the Jewish policemen are cowards and lack the will to fight the Nazis. Instead, they help the Nazis. Stefania says, “The Nazis are killing the innocent! Your own people! And in the meantime, you keep ‘order’ so those monsters can have a whole ghetto of victims who are easier to kill” (195). One Jewish policeman replies, “We do try to save them. By giving the wrong lists, delaying the deportations. Limiting the reprisals caused by people like yourself, so that someone, somewhere, might be saved” (197). The response suggests there are other less overt kinds of bravery and resolve. The courage and willpower of the Jewish police might manifest subtly, but it’s there: They, too, do what they can to keep Jews alive.