Exploring Hannah's Character Traits in The Devil's Arithmetic

In Jane Yolen's poignant novel, "The Devil's Arithmetic," the character of Hannah Stern undergoes a profound transformation that reflects her growth and understanding of her heritage. Through the lens of Hannah's character traits, readers can explore themes of identity, memory, and sacrifice. This essay delves into the complexities of Hannah’s personality, illustrating how her initial apathy evolves into a deep appreciation for her family's history and the lessons it imparts.

Initial Indifference

At the beginning of "The Devil's Arithmetic," Hannah is portrayed as a modern Jewish girl who feels disconnected from her cultural roots. She is uninterested in traditional rituals such as Passover Seder, viewing them as tedious obligations rather than meaningful practices. Her attitude exemplifies several key traits:

• Apathy: Hannah displays a lack of interest in her family’s traditions and stories. She finds the retelling of historical events tiresome and irrelevant to her contemporary life.
• Impulsiveness: Her impulsive nature is evident when she expresses frustration over having to attend family gatherings, demonstrating a short-sighted view on familial obligations.
• Self-centeredness: Initially, Hannah seems preoccupied with herself and her social life, prioritizing personal desires over communal values.

The Journey Through Time

The pivotal moment in the story occurs when Hannah is magically transported back in time to 1942 Poland during the Holocaust. This journey serves as a catalyst for change, compelling Hannah to confront her heritage head-on. As she navigates this unfamiliar world as Chaya Abramowicz—a name that signifies both continuity and change—her character begins to develop significant depth.

Evolving Understanding

As Chaya experiences life in a Jewish village facing unimaginable horrors, she begins to shed her initial indifference. Several traits emerge that highlight this transformation:

• Courage: In facing dire situations alongside her new community members, Chaya demonstrates remarkable bravery. She learns to stand up for herself and others amidst oppression.
• Empathy: The harsh realities faced by those around her deepen Chaya’s understanding of suffering. This newfound empathy allows her to connect with others on an emotional level—something she struggled with before.
• Sacrifice: As she witnesses acts of bravery from those around her—including self-sacrificial choices made by friends and family—Chaya learns about the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs even in perilous times.

The Significance of Memory

A central theme throughout "The Devil's Arithmetic" is memory—the act of remembering not just as an individual but also as part of a collective identity. As Chaya assimilates into life in Poland during World War II, she comes to realize that forgetting one's history can lead to its tragic repetition. This insight shapes several character traits within Chaya:

• Aware: This awareness drives Chaya towards becoming more knowledgeable about Jewish traditions and histories; she grows increasingly appreciative of what these stories mean for future generations.
• Diligent: No longer dismissive or apathetic towards rituals like Passover Seder, Chaya becomes diligent about preserving memories—recognizing their role in maintaining identity through adversity.
• Proud: Savoring moments shared with others strengthens not only personal pride but also collective pride among Jews who endure together against persecution.

The Final Transformation

The culmination of Hannah’s journey—and thus Chaya's—is marked by an emotional return back to contemporary times after experiencing loss firsthand during the Holocaust narrative. Upon returning home post-transformation, she embodies characteristics that starkly contrast with those present at the story’s outset:

• Benevolence: Her heart opens up towards familial connections; now appreciating rather than resenting them due partly because they are reminders of survival against great odds.