Final answer:
The text does not provide specific details about the deaths of Abek's mother and sisters. The question likely refers to a character named Gerda, who experiences complex emotions and possibly shame over her feelings following the death of her family, a scenario that illustrates common human experiences of loss and survivor's guilt in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actual text from which the student's question is derived does not explicitly detail how Abek's mother and sisters died, and as such, we cannot provide specific details on their fate.
However, regarding the broader implication of characters dealing with the death of loved ones, literature often explores the theme of loss and the complex emotions it can invoke.
Characters like Gerda may experience a mix of grief, relief, or guilt, leading to feelings of shame over their own reactions. This internal conflict is a common human experience and can provide a deep sense of empathy and connection for the reader.
The student's question about Gerda feeling ashamed likely refers to a character struggling with survivor's guilt or conflicting emotions due to the death of close family members. Such feelings can be prompted by a sense of injustice or the thought that they are somehow betraying the memory of their loved ones by continuing with their own life.
This inner turmoil can be quite profound and is often explored in literature to examine the human psyche and the process of mourning.