DEAR MR.
KILMER – THEME
THE CHALENGGES OF GROWING UP
 Richard has problems fitting in with society. He likes to be
alone and daydream rather than play games.
 Richard had little chances of communicating with Pa who
is often silent and reserved.
 Besides that, the talented and perceptive Richard has
doubts about his ‘hidden poetic talent’. It makes him and
oddball who feels ‘alone even when I’m around other
people’ (p.27).
 Another challenge faced by Richard is his relationship
with Hannah, which cause him to be taunted as a ‘Hun
Lover’.
PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
 After America goes to war against the Germans, a
majority of the community in Turtle Lake are unable to
accept the Schermers living in the neighbourhood.
 Their tavern is vandalized by the locals and Hannah is
bullied and ridiculed in school.
LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
 Though often taken for granted by Pa and Gus, Angie
proves to be the ‘heart’ of the family – loving,
compassionate and non-judgemental. Richard is able to
find some comfort and safety with Angie in the kitchen
whenever he feels left out by Pa and Gus (p.16).
 After Richard’s poetic tribute to Kilmer is published in the
local paper. Pa relates ‘A world is gone!’ to when Roland
was killed in the Cuban War.
 The Schermer’s family, in contrast, is a more balanced and
happy one. There is joy, laughter, communication, music,
singing, books, and literature in their home. Richard finds
their home and ‘oasis’ after the silence of his own family.
PATRIOTISM
 As the country goes to war, the spirit of patriotism runs
high and the people demonstrate their loyalty to the
country in many ways.
 Many young men volunteer to serve the country including
Mr. Kilmer, Otto and Gus.
 Those who do not go to war show their support by
rationing their meals, buying Liberty Bonds and
organizing programs to help the war effort.
SACRIFICE
 Some of the characters make sacrifices in their own way
throughout the course of the story.
 Angie sacrifices her education I order to take care of her
family after her mother’s death. She as much higher
responsibilities
 Hannah sacrifices her role as Lady Liberty in order to keep
the peace in her community.
 Roland Knight and Kilmer made the ultimate sacrifice.
They both lose their lives in the war while serving their
country.
PEER PRESSURE
 Turtle Lake is a small town whose residents mainly consist
of farmers. As such, the people have set ideas on what is
considered acceptable behavior.
 For example, boys are expected to participate in hunting
and sports. Therefore, when Richard admits that he does
not like hunting, his father is disappointed.
 When Richard stands up for Hannah, he is called a traitor.
THE EFFECTS OF WAR
 The story is set during World War 1 and the effects of war
are portrayed significantly in the novel.
 Loss if lives – many people die during the war and many
children grow up without parents. Kilmer too loses his life
in battle.
 War creates hatred and prejudice which divides people,
nations and countries at large.
CULTURAL IDENTITY
 Despite having lived in America for many years, the
Schermers retain their cultural identity.
 While they are loyal Americans citizens, at home they still
speak German, eat German food and listen to German
songs.
 This suggests that one’s culture will always be a part of
one’s identity, regardless of where one lives.
THE CHALENGGES OF GROWING UP
 Richard has problems fitting in with society. He likes to be
alone and daydream rather than play games.
 Richard had little chances of communicating with Pa who
is often silent and reserved.

 Besides that, the talented and perceptive Richard has
doubts about his ‘hidden poetic talent’. It makes him and
oddball who feels ‘alone even when I’m around other
people’ (p.27).
 Another challenge faced by Richard is his relationship
with Hannah, which cause him to be taunted as a ‘Hun
Lover’.
PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
 After America goes to war against the Germans, a
majority of the community in Turtle Lake are unable to
accept the Schermers living in the neighbourhood.
 Their tavern is vandalized by the locals and Hannah is
bullied and ridiculed in school.
LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
 Though often taken for granted by Pa and Gus, Angie
proves to be the ‘heart’ of the family – loving,
compassionate and non-judgemental. Richard is able to
find some comfort and safety with Angie in the kitchen
whenever he feels left out by Pa and Gus (p.16).
 After Richard’s poetic tribute to Kilmer is published in the
local paper. Pa relates ‘A world is gone!’ to when Roland
was killed in the Cuban War.
 The Schermer’s family, in contrast, is a more balanced and
happy one. There is joy, laughter, communication, music,
singing, books, and literature in their home. Richard finds
their home and ‘oasis’ after the silence of his own family.
PATRIOTISM
 As the country goes to war, the spirit of patriotism runs
high and the people demonstrate their loyalty to the
country in many ways.
 Many young men volunteer to serve the country including
Mr. Kilmer, Otto and Gus.
 Those who do not go to war show their support by
rationing their meals, buying Liberty Bonds and
organizing programs to help the war effort.
SACRIFICE
 Some of the characters make sacrifices in their own way
throughout the course of the story.
 Angie sacrifices her education I order to take care of her
family after her mother’s death. She as much higher
responsibilities
DEAR MR. KILMER – THEME
 Hannah sacrifices her role as Lady Liberty in order to keep
the peace in her community.
 Roland Knight and Kilmer made the ultimate sacrifice.
They both lose their lives in the war while serving their
country.
PEER PRESSURE
 Turtle Lake is a small town whose residents mainly consist
of farmers. As such, the people have set ideas on what is
considered acceptable behavior.
 For example, boys are expected to participate in hunting
and sports. Therefore, when Richard admits that he does
not like hunting, his father is disappointed.
 When Richard stands up for Hannah, he is called a traitor.
THE EFFECTS OF WAR
 The story is set during World War 1 and the effects of war
are portrayed significantly in the novel.
 Loss if lives – many people die during the war and many
children grow up without parents. Kilmer too loses his life
in battle.
 War creates hatred and prejudice which divides people,
nations and countries at large.
CULTURAL IDENTITY
 Despite having lived in America for many years, the
Schermers retain their cultural identity.
 While they are loyal Americans citizens, at home they still
speak German, eat German food and listen to German
songs.
 This suggests that one’s culture will always be a part of
one’s identity, regardless of where one lives.