Essay Questions

Why is Tomasz exchanging his identity with Dr. Weiss Soul, and what is the implication of such an action?

Tomasz is ready to sacrifice his life to save his girlfriend Alina from the brutal regime of the Nazis. Nazis are on a killing spree and want to terminate any person who does not subscribe to Nazism. However, Tomasz cannot escape with Alina to Russia because his face will be known, leading to his instant death. Therefore, Tomasz decides to exchange his identity with Soul to ensure he safely passes through Russia with Alina. This sacrifice implies that Tomasz never marries Alina because she lives with Soul for the rest of her life. In addition, Tomasz is brutally killed by the Nazis because he maintains his distance from Nazism.

What is the main paradox in the novel The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer?

The primary paradox in the novel The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer is the plot. Some characters in Alina’s family live in the United States of America without knowing their identity. For instance, Junita believes that Soul is her biological father. Similarly, Alice and the children think Soul is their biological grandfather. However, Alina and Soul know they live as a couple for convenience. Towards the novel's end, Alice travels to Poland to uncover her identity, and she realizes her grandfather, Tomasz, made the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good of his future generations.

How does Kelly Rimmer explore the theme of love in the novel?

Love is the central theme in the novel. There is undying love between Alina and Tomasz. Alina and Tomasz start loving each other from childhood until they mature and plan to marry each other. Despite the brutal Nazi regime that wants to wipe out anybody who does not believe in Nazism, Tomasz and Alina stand by each other. When Tomasz leaves for Russia, Alina waits patiently and looks forward to their reunion. When Tomasz returns after several years, the two lovebirds reunite. Tomasz sacrifices to save Alina and their unborn daughter when he exchanges his identity with Soul. Soul elopes with Alina to the US to seek refuge. Despite Alina living for the rest of her life with Soul as a couple, she refuses to consummate their marriage because she is still in love with Tomasz. The other great love is witnessed between Alina, her daughter Julita and her granddaughter, Alice. Alice cares for Alina in her old age. When Soul and Alina die, Alice buries their ashes beside Tomasz's grave, which symbolizes great love in the family.