Clara's War
By: Karla Alvarez
Setting
This story takes place in Zolkiew, Poland. Clara, her family, along with two other family are forced to live in a bunker under the house.
Characters
Clara and Mania Schwarz
Clara is the one who is writing everything that is happening in the bunker. She will help sometimes, but she is normally quiet. Mania is the funny person. She kept the peace between everyone.
Salka Schwarz
Clara's mom is the quiet person. She normally doesn't have much to say, but she is a big help around the bunker.
Meir Schwarz
Clara's dad has to make the decisions while in the bunker. He also has to help whenever there is a problem with something.
Valentin Beck
Valentin Beck let the Jews hide in a bunker under his house. He took the risk of being caught for these people.
Julia Beck
Julia, Valentin Beck's wife, has a lot of responsibilities. She is a big help around the house. She prepares the food, provides water, and washes clothes for 18 people.
Military Marching Sound Effect
Clara Kramer: Holocaust survivor and author of CLARA'S WAR
Plot
Clara, her family and friends are trying to survive the war underground as their family members are being killed. They take the risk everyday of being caught. Mr. Beck is an anti-semitist, but he is willing to save them by keeping them in a bunker under his house. Adding to their fear the SS move into the house for several months, increasing the risk of being caught. The Jews spend almost three years in the bunker. After Clara and her family are freed, Mr. Beck is arrested and Clara has to use her diary to free him.
Conflict
External conflict- The families are constantly arguing and fighting in the bunker. Clara lives in fear that Mr. Beck could turn the Jews in to the SS.
Internal conflict- Clara is trying to remain strong while her family and friends are dying in the war. She is doesn't know how to handle things most of the time.