# data[].attributes.body
In Between Shades of Gray" The stone held hope for Lina. When Lina was having an emotional moment with Andrius the stone becomes her inner strength and its where her faith comes from. The stone gives her comfort when things are difficult. The stone give shows her strength that when things get difficult and obstacles come about the stone signifies Linas resilience but not just for her but also for Andrius too it reminds the of how strong they have to stay while they are there.

# data[].attributes.body
"We'd all lost something, but that didn't mean that we had nothing left." This sentence shows the strength of what it means to have human spirit even when you in the darkest times of your life and it also encapsulates the resilience. "They took our lives but they didn't take our spirit." That sentence capture resilience because it shows that still have light in their life even though things for them aren't great for them right now and there is still hope for things to get better and they didn't lose everything because they still had their family and that is what also matters.

# data[].attributes.body
In the book Jonas faced a significant obstacle when he was forced from his home and forced to leave everything behind. After he got on that cart he was a changed person the old nice person that they once knew was no longer there. Jonas became dark as days passed no smiles he wondered why him? because he was different he was forced into soviet labor forced to sign a contract stating that he was a criminal just cause of where he is from and the list he was put on because society treated them like animals so that was his biggest struggle with society.

# data[].attributes.body
In the book Andrius was very selfless, he did not mind putting himself in danger if meant protecting others. He would get supplies and necessities. His selflessness was also in internal struggles. He cared so much about Lina he was risking his safety for her. He disregards his emotions for the better when his mom was forced to sleep with the officers and even when he was at Lina he still was willing to help her and her family.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout the book the family and their family members were all put onto a train cart with their luggage. They were forced to leave their homes. After all the time they spent on the cart they eventually started moving. Lina was posted in the small opening and repeated everything she saw to the people in the cart. After hours and days of traveling the train slowed and Lina saw a sign that said Vilnius which is in this case is the capital of Lithuania in the book. When they reached their destination the guards slammed open the doors and they said out loud "One person , two buckets". One person got food and water they stayed put for some hours then stopped at multiple new locations . They even stopped in Asia but did not know what part.

# data[].attributes.body
Text evidence: "Have you ever wondered what human life is worth? That morning, my brothers was worth a pocket watch."

Theme statement: Survival will make you do anything to stay alive. resilience depends on our moment to moment levels.

Have you ever wondered what human life is worth? That morning , my brothers was worth a pocket watch." this resonates that surviving means staying alive by any means. This phrases elaborates the idea that when you are suffering with your family you willing to anything to keep yourself and your family alive. Everybody's life is worth something but the fact you have to trade a pocket watch to keep someone alive shows resilience of thinking of thinks while under certain circumstances.

# data[].attributes.body
Text evidence: They took our lives but they couldn't take our spirit.

Theme Statement: Survival endures through resilience and unity, illuminating the unbreakable courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reasoning:

"They took our lives but they couldn't take our spirit" resonates deeply within the thematic core of survival highlighting the resilience of the characters in the face of adversity. This phrase embodies the book's overarching theme of survival through resilience, emphasizing how despite enduring unimaginable suffering in the Soviet labor camps, the characters' inner strength remains unbroken. It serves as a testament to the human spirit, teaching us that while external forces may seek to strip away every aspect of one's life, the essence of resilience, determination, and humanity persists. This powerful lesson showcases the triumph of the human spirit even in the face of the darkest circumstances.

# data[].attributes.body
Text Evidence: " We've been trying to touch the top of the sky from the bottom of the ocean."

Reasoning: This shows the characters determination to uplift each other in the challenging circumstances, it shows their resilience and belief that together they can overcome the hardships they face.

Theme statement: "Even in the darkest times hope and resilience can bring us strength to overcome any obstacle."

# data[].attributes.body
"Despite the freezing cold and exhaustion, we trudged forward, determined to survive." This sentence the author has in this excerpt, has a more complete syntax with multiple phrases and clauses put together to show a more detailed meaning. She uses more detailed descriptions in just a simple sentence to show the deeper and detailed meaning to portray a bigger picture of the characters determination. The word "despite" shows a contrast, highlighting the challenging obstacles of the freezing cold and exhaustion. The complete syntax adds more depth to the sentence allowing the readers to understand the characters resilence.

# data[].attributes.body
I closed my eyes. I felt Andrius moving close. “I’ll see you,” he said.
“Yes, I will see you,” I whispered. “I will.”
I reached into my pocket and squeezed the stone.

In "Between Shades of Grey," the stone held by Lina encapsulates a profound symbol of hope, resilience, and connection. When Lina reaches into her pocket to squeeze the stone during an emotional moment with Andrius, it becomes a representation of her determination, inner strength, and faith amidst adversity. This stone embodies her reliance on hope and serves as a source of comfort, symbolizing her commitment to endure the challenges she faces. Beyond its physical presence, the stone signifies a promise of reunion and a shared determination between Lina and Andrius to endure and remain connected despite their physical separation. It embodies their shared hope for a future where they can see each other again, making it a powerful symbol of resilience, love, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of painful circumstances.

# data[].attributes.body
In the beginning of the book when they were finally able to get out of the train cart Andrius found a stone. He then gives the stone to Jonas to represent the friendship they created. But throughout the story the stone then becomes their strength and resilience and hope to face the adversity. The stone always reminded Andrius, Jonas, and Lina to stay strong throughout the camps and their time there. When Lina and her family were getting deported to Siberia, Andrius slips the stone into her pocket without her knowing. He slipped it to her so one she would stay strong and two too not forget him and that he will find her again.

# data[].attributes.body
She is bold, focused and has a distinct sense of style. She is very opinionated when it comes to questions posed by her father's acquaintances. Lina is an avid sketcher, therefore she spent much of her time packing her possessions in search of her sketchbook . She is also the one to stand up for her family in any situation. When the girl in the train cate made a remark about her brother in a instance she defended him without hesitance and swung the subject back to the girl.

# data[].attributes.body
Based on the information in the book Andrius seems to have strong will ,be protective, and have feelings for. H Lina. He looks approximately Lina's age 16 or 17 he has a strong jaw and gorgeous hair. He is also a NKVD officers son. Lina was surprised when someone on their train cart was killed , and he persisted in trying to take her attention off the situation. Because he did not want Lina to be harmed or killed by the guards he did not want her to go alone when it was time to find their fathers. He is not the type to put himself before other people.

# data[].attributes.body
"As we huddled together in the freezing cold, a faint glimmer of light appeared on the horizon. It was the first sight of dawn. We looked at each other, a spark of hope igniting in our eyes. Despite the darkness around us, we knew the new day was coming." This moment captures the resilience and hope the people hold onto while they think nothing will get better while they're in the dark.

" Andrius reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, smooth stone. He handed it to me, his eye filled with determination, "Keep this," he said, "Its a symbol of hope, we'll get through this together." This moment with Andrius shows the enduring hope he holds onto, even in the midst of the circumstances. Reminder hope can be found even in the darkest times.

# data[].attributes.body
How did I get here? How did I end up in the arms of a boy I barely knew, but knew I didn't want to lose? I wondered what I would have thought of Andrius in Lithuania, Would I have liked him? Would he have liked me?

The author in this excerpt deliberately uses unconventional punctuation, especially the question marks, to intensify the protagonist's emotional turmoil and contemplative state. The abrupt questions lack the typical structure of complete sentences, creating a sense of urgency and introspection. By breaking traditional grammar rules with these short, successive questions, the author emphasizes the protagonist's confusion, curiosity, and emotional vulnerability. The repeated use of question marks intensifies the tone of uncertainty and self-reflection, conveying the protagonist's inner conflict and the swirling thoughts about her present circumstances and potential past choices. This intentional departure from standard punctuation serves to heighten the reader's connection to the protagonist's emotional state, fostering a sense of empathy and engagement with her internal struggles.

# data[].attributes.body
"The ashes danced like mystic fairies in the dim light. I gazed at the embers, and my mind conjured the faces of my family. There, in the midst of the inferno, their ghosts were given life. I could almost hear their voices, see their smiles amidst the haunting whispers of the flames. My heart ached with longing, each flickering shadow etching their absence deeper into my soul."

The language in this passage, creates a poignant and emotionally charged atmosphere. The use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language draws the reader into Lina's profound sense of loss and yearning for her family. Words like "ghosts," "inferno," and "longing" intensify the emotional weight of the scene, allowing readers to empathize with Lina's deep sorrow and the torment of being separated from her loved ones. The haunting tone and diction emphasize the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist, establishing a powerful connection between the character's emotions and the reader's own sentiments.

# data[].attributes.body
From what is told and seen about Andrius is that he is strong willed, protective, he has a soft spot for Lina. He's about the same age as Lina 16-17, he has a sharp jawline and beautiful hair. He's also the son of NKVD officer. When someone on their train cart was killed Lina was shocked and he kept trying to get her to focus on him. When they wanted to go find their fathers he wouldn't let Lina go alone because he didn't want her to get hurt or killed by the guards. He always puts people ahead of himself.

# data[].attributes.body
In "Between Shades of Gray," a significant internal conflict for Lina is her struggle to hold onto hope despite the dire circumstances in the labor camp. An excerpt highlighting this inner struggle is when Lina reflects on the challenges she faces: "I placed the tiny roll of paper in the palm of my hand, closed my fingers around it, and felt something resembling hope trickle into my veins, filling me with warmth. It was foolish to feel hopeful, but I was. I felt like a survivor, part of the living, breathing world again." Here, Lina grapples with conflicting emotions. She battles between the despair of their grim reality in the labor camp and the flicker of hope she nurtures within herself through her art and memories of her family. This internal conflict showcases Lina's resilience and determination to find solace and maintain a sense of humanity amidst the dehumanizing conditions imposed by society. Her struggle to hold onto hope and a sense of self in the face of adversity teaches us about her inner strength and the power of resilience in the most challenging situations. This internal conflict emphasizes the importance of hope as a means of survival and as a testament to the character's enduring spirit despite the harsh realities of the society they inhabit.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout the whole book Andrius is always putting himself in danger for others. Getting them supplies, food, and more. Thats where you see his internal struggle, him trying to help others. Despite his own fears and doubts he's always helping either Lina when she wanted to find her dad when they were first taken, or when she found a file and needed him to put it back on the commanders desk. He wrestles his own emotions, like when his mother was forced to work with the NKVD, or when he was angry at everyone but still wanted to help.

# data[].attributes.body
In "Between Shades of Gray," Lina faces a significant obstacle when she's forced into a Soviet labor camp along with her family. An excerpt highlighting this is when Lina is confronted with the brutality of the camp guards: "The guards hated us. They hated me, too. Especially when I drew them. They'd slap me, but they couldn't stop me. I'd drawn too many in too short a time." This obstacle of being in a labor camp represents a clash between Lina's desire for expression through art and the oppressive, authoritarian society that aims to suppress individuality and freedom of expression. The external conflict arises from Lina's attempt to hold onto her identity and passion for art despite the harsh conditions imposed by the Soviet regime. It showcases the struggle of an individual against the repressive societal norms and the inhumane treatment within the labor camp. The obstacle hinders Lina's goal of artistic expression and threatens her sense of self, illustrating the conflict between the individual's spirit and a society that seeks to strip away personal freedoms and individuality for conformity and control. This character vs. society conflict brings light to Lina's resilience in the face of oppression.

# data[].attributes.body
Text Evidence:

The inside of the car was stuffy and full of personal smells, even with the door open. People were wedged in everywhere, sitting on their belongings. At the end of the car, large planks of wood approximately six feet deep had been installed as shelves.

The description of the cramped and odorous interior of the car, where people are tightly packed among their belongings, highlights the dire conditions of transportation during the time period portrayed in "Shades of Gray." The claustrophobic setting inside the car signifies the overcrowded and uncomfortable journey that characters endure, emphasizing the hardships and challenges faced by society amidst political upheaval and displacement. The makeshift shelves at the end of the car symbolize the makeshift nature of their existence, where basic necessities and personal items are precariously stored, reflecting the upheaval and lack of stability in their lives. This setting serves to underscore the struggles and sacrifices of the characters, emphasizing the harsh reality of their circumstances within a society torn by conflict from the soviet union.

# data[].attributes.body
In the book "Shades of Gray," the characterization of Jonas is depicted through his interaction with his sister, Lina, showcasing a sibling bond amidst challenging circumstances. One notable instance is when Lina tries to comfort Jonas as they navigate their difficult situation. "Jonas, it'll be okay. We'll be okay," I said, putting my arm around him. He nodded, but his lower lip was shaking. This interaction highlights the connection between Lina and Jonas, emphasizing Lina's protective and reassuring nature towards her younger brother during unsettling times. Jonas's reaction, indicated by his trembling lower lip despite nodding in agreement, shows his vulnerability and reliance on Lina for comfort and reassurance. Their interaction portrays a strong sibling bond, where Lina acts as a source of support and strength for Jonas, demonstrating their motivation to endure and find solace in each other amidst the turmoil they face.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout the book since they were first taken, Lina's mom Elena has been the whole group's translator and shes been the one who would calm the guards down. In chapter 29 pages 110-115, Elena was told the commander wanted to meet with her but she obviously wouldn't go without her children so they all go and when she gets there they only want to speak to Elena. The conversation lasts a few minutes and she comes out with her head hanging down and her voice is low. Lina asks what what wrong and they make their way back to the hut and she tells them they wanted Elena to be a translator for the NKVD. She was offered special privileges if she was to spy on everyone and report back. She didnt want to betray everyone and if they had to suffer, so did she.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout the book the family and others are all put onto a train cart and are stuck there with their suitcases and whatever was brought when they were forced to leave their homes. After being stuck on the cart for a while they eventually started moving. They had Lina stand at the little opening and tell them everything she saw, every landmark, site. After hours of travelling the train started to slow down and they were going into a station with a sign that said "Vilnius" which is the capital of Lithuania in the book. They reach Vilnius and then guards slam open the doors and they yell "One person, two buckets, any dead bodies." So one person would get out and get food and water, they stay there for a few hours then they would head to multiple new locations. They went to multiple places in Lithuania and then to some parts in Asia, but they didnt know where.

# data[].attributes.body
Text Evidence:

"Would anyone like more coffee?" I asked, holding up the sterling pot. Some men looked down. Someone coughed. "Lina you're turning into quite a young lady," said a friend of my father's from the university. "And I hear that you're a very talented artist." "Indeed she is!" said papa. "She has a very unique style. And she's exceptionally smart," he added with a wink. "So she takes after her mother then," jokes one of the men. Everyone laughed. "Tell me, Lina," said the man who wrote for the newspaper, "what do you think of this new Lithuania?" "Well," interrupted my father quickly. "That's not really conversation for a young girl, now, is it?" "It will be conversation for everyone, Kostas, young and old," said the journalist. "Besides," he said, smiling, "it's not as if I'd print it in the paper." Papa shifted in his chair. "What do you think of the Soviet's annexation?" I paused, avoiding eye contact with my father. "I think Josef Stalin is a bully. I think we should push his troops out of Lithuania. They shouldn't be allowed to come and take what they please and-" "That's enough, Lina. Leave the pot of coffee and join your mother in the kitchen." "But it's true!" I pressed. "It's not right." "Enough!" said my father. I returned to the kitchen, stopping short to eavesdrop. "Don't encourage her, Vladas. The girl is so headstrong, it scares me to death," said Papa. "Well," replied the journalist, "now we see how she takes after her father, don't we? You've raised a real partisan, Kostas." Papa was silent. The gathering ended and the men left the house at alternating intervals, some through the front door and some through the back.

Based on the text above, we see that Lina is an artist who is very intellectual and strong-willed. She isn't afraid to speak her opinion even when someone is trying to keep her silent. Her motivation stems from a sense of justice and a belief in standing up against oppression. The exchange reveals her outspoken nature, particularly regarding the Soviet annexation and her strong condemnation of Josef Stalin's actions. The men's comments about Lina's artistic talent and intelligence portray her as someone with potential, indicating her positive qualities beyond societal expectations of young girls during that time. Despite being praised for her talents, Lina faces opposition when expressing her views on sensitive and adult topics, emphasizing the restrictions placed upon her due to her gender and age. The journalist's comment about Lina taking after her father as a "real partisan" further emphasizes her father's influence on her outspokenness and suggests a deeper familial connection in their beliefs, despite their apparent conflict. Ultimately, this interaction deepens our understanding of Lina's character, her motivations, and the challenges she faces in expressing herself and standing up for what she believes in within a restrictive societal environment.

# data[].attributes.body
She has a unique style, shes headstrong and determined. Her fathers friends would ask questions and she would have a strong opinion about it. Lina loves to sketch and draw, so when she was packing all her belongings she was mostly looking for her sketchbook. She's also the person to defend her family no matter what. For example, this girl in the train cart made a comment about her brother and she defended him and turned the conversation around on the girl.