Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Between Shades of Gray, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice
Strength and Identity
The Power of Art
Genocide
Women and Mothers
Summary
Analysis
Lina practices the Russian words for “doctor,” “medicine,” “mother,” and “please.” She goes to the NKVD barracks in the hopes that Kretszky can help her mother. Ivanov laughs at her and tells her to leave, and takes away her ration for the day. Lina is determined not to lose her mother. Fearing she is near death, Elena gives her wedding band to Jonas. Lina and Jonas hold their mother, desperately willing her not to die.
Elena’s optimism and will to live wanes after she hears of Kostas’ supposed death. Lina must now take on the role of caregiver in the family, and does for Elena what her mother did for Jonas when he was sick. But with no resources or mercy to be had, eventually all they can do is pray.
Themes
