A True Peace narrates the harrowing experience of Madeline, a young girl at a Catholic boarding school in Paris during World War II. As the Nazi threat looms, Madeline and her classmates face a terrifying encounter with German soldiers, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the loss of innocence are explored as Madeline grapples with her own actions in the face of violence. This poignant story captures the emotional turmoil of war and the quest for peace amidst chaos. Ideal for readers interested in historical fiction that delves into the impact of war on youth.

Key Points

  • Explores the impact of World War II on children in occupied France.
  • Highlights themes of bravery, sacrifice, and moral conflict.
  • Features a dramatic confrontation between students and Nazi soldiers.
  • Depicts the emotional journey of a young girl named Madeline.
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A True Peace.
It was June 14, 1940. I woke up early in the morning following a
routine schedule. My name is Madeline, and I attend The Old House in Paris,
a Catholic boarding school. For the past year my teacher and caretaker, Miss
Clavel had been warning us about a threat arising in Germany. She called the
threat, the Nazi party.
That same morning, I was sitting in class, when suddenly a German
voice came over the loudspeaker. The voice brought Miss Clavel to tears. I
asked her why she was sobbing. She stared and said, “They will come for
us.”
I knew what this meant, Miss Clavel had been open about her
disapproval of the Nazi party. She often posted anti-Nazi propaganda in the
Newspaper.
The school went into a frenzy. Miss Clavel hid us for our protection in
the attic. For seventeen days we hid in the attic.The streets were empty until a
black car on the side parked in front of the school with a truck behind it. I
didn’t have to alert Miss Clavel. She knew. Miss Clavel urged all of the girls
to get to the end of the room and hide. I heard footsteps coming from below
me. Suddenly the door slammed open. Two men stepped through. One looked
highly decorated, but the other man looked like a regular soldier.
The men approached Miss Clavel. “Miss Clavel I presume.”
The highly decorated one said in a strong German accent, “You have
quite a reputation for slander against my party and the Führer.”
Miss Clavel gave him one of the most narsty looks I had ever seen and
said to him, “You, your Führer, and the rest of you Nazi scum deserve much
worse than a section in the newspaper!” She spat on his shiny black shoes.
“Such insolence, from a woman no less, that shall not be tolerated!”
He gave his soldier one nod and he stepped up,
“Get up! Get up!” He screamed at the hiding girls, motioning his
weapon at them.
Every girl got up, except me. I layed there in a trance, while the
soldiers marching the girls out the door to the truck.
Miss Clavel was screaming in agony fighting to make them stop, but
she was manacled by the arm of the high ranking officer. Out of one large
burst of strength, she broke through his grasp and pulled out a gun. She fired
twice at the officer. He instantly fell to the ground. She swiftly recovered and
glanced up to see the final soldier pointing his machine gun at point blank
range to her.
In a fazed voice he said, “I-I’ll shoot!”
Miss Clavel went to her knees. The movement shocked him, causing
him to fire. The bullets instantly pierced her.
I aimed my bullet for his chest and shot. I crawled out of my hiding
spot under the desk to inspect.
As I made my way over to his still body I got a better look at him. He
couldn’t be older, sixteen or seventeen. The thought of mercy flowed through
my mind. I led my eyes to see what a disturbing sight. It was Miss Clavel. I
tried to look at her but the grief was too unbearable. Why should I show
mercy to the person who had shown no mercy to Miss Clavel.
A large and blunt chunk of the desk had fallen from the desk when the
firing began. I heard the soldier’s pitiful begs, yet I was deaf by rage. I raised
the chunk and with all of my strength, I struck him in the head with it.
All there was was silence. A ghoulish smile came upon the soldier’s
beaten face, while blood spilled from his mouth. His chuckle slowly became
a laugh. I soon found the source of his laugh. A grenade. It was being held in
his palm tightly. He gave me a sinister look and let go of the grenade.
Time stopped for me. I was flying through the air hitting the window. I
broke the old dirty glass with my back. My body harshly landed on the
cement ground in the alley. I could hear the crack of my bones and skull. The
glass in my back was pushed even further. Yet, no pain. I attempted to move,
but stationary I remained.
A light grew in the distance of my vision. A silhouette of a man
appeared with open arms. I saw my friends and Miss Clavel relaxing at
leisure. The man called on me, extending his hand. Most dread death, but I
was at peace. A true peace.
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FAQs

What is the main conflict in A True Peace?
The main conflict in A True Peace revolves around the threat posed by Nazi soldiers to Madeline and her classmates at a Catholic boarding school. As the soldiers invade, the girls must confront their fears and the harsh realities of war. Miss Clavel, their caretaker, embodies resistance against the oppressive regime, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation. This conflict not only highlights the external dangers but also the internal struggles of the characters as they navigate their moral choices in a time of crisis.
How does Madeline's character develop throughout the story?
Madeline's character undergoes significant development as she transitions from a naive schoolgirl to a figure faced with life-and-death decisions. Initially sheltered, her experiences during the Nazi invasion force her to confront the brutality of war. Her actions, driven by a mix of fear and courage, reveal her inner strength and moral complexity. By the end of the story, Madeline's understanding of peace and sacrifice is profoundly altered, illustrating the loss of innocence that accompanies such traumatic experiences.
What role does Miss Clavel play in the story?
Miss Clavel serves as a pivotal character in A True Peace, representing both authority and compassion. As the caretaker of the girls, she is deeply invested in their safety and well-being, often putting herself at risk to protect them. Her defiance against the Nazi soldiers showcases her bravery and commitment to her beliefs. Miss Clavel's actions and ultimate sacrifice highlight the themes of resistance and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime.
What themes are explored in A True Peace?
A True Peace delves into several profound themes, including the impact of war on innocence, the moral complexities of violence, and the quest for peace. The story illustrates how children are affected by the horrors of conflict, forcing them to confront their fears and make difficult choices. Additionally, themes of sacrifice and bravery are prevalent, as characters must navigate their responses to oppression and violence. The narrative ultimately raises questions about the nature of peace and the cost of survival in dire circumstances.
What is the setting of A True Peace?
The setting of A True Peace is a Catholic boarding school in Paris during the early years of World War II. This backdrop provides a stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the encroaching horrors of war. The school becomes a refuge for the girls, yet it is also a site of danger as Nazi soldiers invade their sanctuary. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and the unfolding drama, emphasizing the vulnerability of those caught in the crossfire of historical conflict.

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