Student Question
Why does Peter visit the Johansens in Number the Stars?
Quick answer:
Peter visits the Johansens to update them on German actions against Danish Jews and to assist with Resistance efforts. As a member of the Resistance and a family friend, Peter brings news and helps protect Jews, such as the Rosens. Despite the danger, he continues to visit due to his connection to the family and their mutual commitment to resisting the Nazi occupation.
Peter is a member of the Resistance.
Peter Neilsen is a family friend. He was engaged to Annemarie’s older sister Lise, who died. The Johansens still love Peter, and consider him like a son. He visits them occasionally.
Annemarie is surprised when her parents ask her to come see Peter late at night. She knows that Peter being there is unusual, and that he should not be out at night. She is glad to see him, but worried about why he is there.
There was something frightening about his being here at night. Copenhagen had a curfew, and no citizens were allowed out after eight o'clock. It was very dangerous, she knew, for Peter to visit at this time. (Ch. 3)
Annemarie says Peter is thoughtful and always brings her gifts. There is more to Peter’s visits than just catching up with the family of his former fiancé. Peter brings...
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the Johansens news, and works with them in the Resistance efforts. For example, he helps them get the Rosens to safety.
"We couldn't take all three of them. If the Germans came to search our apartment, it would be clear that the Rosens were here. One person we can hide. Not three. So Peter has helped Ellen's parents to go elsewhere. We don't know where. Ellen doesn't know either. But they are safe." (Ch. 16)
Being a member of the Resistance is very dangerous, even though Denmark is working secretly against the Nazi occupation. Peter is brave and effective. His role in saving the Rosens and other Jews is an important one. Peter tells Annemarie that the reason the Nazis are closing Jewish stores is to spread terror. He is determined to resist in any way possible.
Peter probably continues to be close to Annemarie’s family because he is mourning Lise. However, the Johansens are also brave and willing to help in the Resistance efforts, such as the night where they hosted the coffin of “Great-aunt Birte.” They are a useful contact for him.
Why does Peter visit the Johansens in Number the Stars?
Basically, Peter visits the Johansens to give them updated news about German actions against Danish Jews. At this time, the Germans have just ordered the closing of Jewish-owned businesses.
In the book, Peter Neilsen is a member of the Danish Resistance. Peter often brought the forbidden De Frie Danske (The Free Danes) newspaper to the Johansens. In the book, Papa explains to Annemarie that the Resistance fighters are just Danish civilians who are determined to defeat the German occupation.
Historically, Denmark was unique among the European nations during WWII. While many countries like Poland lost most of its Jewish population to German pogroms and concentration camps, Denmark saved almost 98% of its Jews. It did this through the efforts of a united Danish populace. The Danish people shared a common national identity: they thought of themselves as Danes above all, regardless of religion, race, or political leaning.
Many, like Peter Neilsen, gave their lives for their Jewish neighbors. Like Peter, many did their part to help ferry Danish Jews to safety in Sweden. Danes who could not do so hid Jews in their homes, schools, and churches. All Danes united as one in fighting the Germans during WWII. This is why so many of Denmark's Jews were saved from annihilation.
References
In chapter 3 of Number the Stars, Peter stealthily visits the Johansen home after curfew to inform the family of German orders to close Jewish-owned businesses. This confirms suspicions aroused earlier in the day when Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti attempted to stop at Mrs. Hirsch's store but found it padlocked with a German notice containing a swastika on the door. Peter explains that this new order is a method of tormenting Jewish people and that it is now occurring in Copenhagen just as it has in other places. Annemarie realizes that the Rosens may be affected and suggests that citizens of Denmark must now be bodyguards for the Jews; they must fiercely protect their friends just as they have vowed to protect their king. Although Annemarie later falls asleep believing that she is insulated from the serious affairs of soldiers and Resistance fighters, her inclusion in Peter's visit indicates a loss of innocence, and this chapter foreshadows the worsening plight of Jews in Copenhagen.