Part Two: Chapter XV, Concerts in Wartime Summary and Analysis

Maria opens a copy of Life Magazine and finds the entire family is in it. The piece serves as strong publicity for their upcoming concert tour. Columbia Concerts provides them with an itinerary of departures and arrivals. Although there is hardship traveling by rail, the Trapps feels they contribute to the war effort in that their performance keeps up morale.

Traveling with children is hectic. They have to be sure the correct railroad connections are made. They sometimes wait for hours in freezing stations. Often there is standing room only and the family are forced onto separate railroad cars. Maria describes the strain of so many traveling together. There is anxiety over whether everyone will remember the name of the stop and if all the luggage will arrive. At...