Symbolism and Themes in *The Boy in the Striped Pajamas*
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Questions and Answers

What did Mother fear would happen after she expressed her disapproval of the Fury?

  • That Bruno would be punished
  • That Maria would report her for treason (correct)
  • That they would be forced to leave Germany
  • That Father would lose his job

How did Bruno's mother encourage him to deal with their situation?

  • By advising him to accept the circumstances without question (correct)
  • By telling him to seek allies among the soldiers
  • By suggesting he confront their father about it
  • By urging him to rebel against the authority

What caused Lieutenant Kotler to react violently towards Pavel?

  • He was already in a bad mood from the dinner conversation
  • Pavel insulted him during the meal
  • A dropped bottle of wine was a pretext for his rage (correct)
  • Pavel had previously worked with his father

What does the fence symbolize in the story?

<p>The confinement of prisoners and the blurring of human identity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Bruno's mispronunciations of words signify?

<p>The innocence and naivety of childhood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What similarities exist between Mother's and Maria's attitudes towards their situation?

<p>Both decide to keep their heads down and avoid confrontation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant detail about Lieutenant Kotler did Father find disturbing?

<p>His father moved to Switzerland before the war began (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the theme of family portrayed in the narrative?

<p>Shmuel's family is juxtaposed with Bruno's indicating the reach of the war (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the striped pajamas symbolize in the story?

<p>The identification and dehumanization of Jewish prisoners (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the political environment in which the characters live?

<p>Expressing opposing views can lead to serious consequences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led Lieutenant Kotler to feel anxious during the conversation with Father?

<p>He was worried about his father's past. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Lieutenant Kotler's relationship with his father?

<p>They had a strained and distant relationship (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is NOT highlighted in the story?

<p>Love (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Lieutenant Kotler take to prove his loyalty to the Nazi Party?

<p>He beat a Jewish man. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bruno think Lieutenant Kotler acted aggressively towards Pavel?

<p>He saw the dropped wine bottle as a trigger for Kotler's anger (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bruno initially react to his friendship with Shmuel?

<p>He is excited and wants to show Shmuel around (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What suspicion did Father have about Lieutenant Kotler?

<p>That he had Jewish heritage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno's father mean when he says, 'they're not people at all'?

<p>He believes they have lost their humanity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What confusion does Bruno experience regarding the soldiers?

<p>He cannot understand why they are cruel without reason (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Father respond to Lieutenant Kotler's explanations regarding his father's departure?

<p>He became even more suspicious. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Lieutenant Kotler initially claim about his father’s disagreement with German policies?

<p>He merely disagreed with some policies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Bruno and Shmuel's experiences differ?

<p>Bruno is free to explore, whereas Shmuel is confined. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the theme of innocence play in Bruno's character?

<p>It allows him to question the beliefs instilled by adults (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bruno choose not to tell Gretel about Shmuel?

<p>He fears she will betray Shmuel. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Bruno's perception of the situation regarding Lieutenant Kotler and Father?

<p>He did not comprehend the anxiety. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Pavel dropping the wine bottle during the conversation?

<p>It was an opportunity for Kotler to assert dominance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Bruno and Gretel adapting well to their new life at Out-With?

<p>It shows their resilience in challenging situations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bruno initially deny knowing Shmuel?

<p>He wants to protect himself from trouble. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the reaction of Lieutenant Kotler suggest about the atmosphere at the time?

<p>Fear and suspicion were prevalent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Shmuel respond to Bruno's lie about their friendship?

<p>He feels hurt but eventually forgives Bruno. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno's father imply when he tells him not to concern himself with the people on the other side of the fence?

<p>He is trying to protect Bruno from harsh realities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Bruno often display towards the people he sees behind the barbed wire?

<p>Curiosity and compassion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Bruno's opinion of Lieutenant Kotler?

<p>He finds him untrustworthy and arrogant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Pavel's behavior change when Bruno's mother arrives?

<p>He is more submissive and cautious. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno discover about Out-With during his exploration?

<p>It is a camp filled with suffering. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bruno feel when Lieutenant Kotler treats Pavel poorly?

<p>He feels angry and upset. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Bruno's first impressions of Shmuel when they meet?

<p>He thinks Shmuel is sad and dirty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno's grandmother feel about Bruno's father becoming Commandant?

<p>She is disappointed and disapproves of it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bruno decide not to tell his family about his new friend Shmuel?

<p>He fears they would disapprove. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What rules apply during the Fury's visit?

<p>Children are not allowed to speak. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Bruno's complaint about Herr Liszt?

<p>He doesn't teach anything worthwhile. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Pavel's appearance change since Bruno first met him?

<p>He loses weight and appears frail. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno think happened when Shmuel has a black eye?

<p>He got into a fight. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Bruno worried about his friendship with Shmuel?

<p>He fears they will be separated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bruno let slip to Gretel?

<p>His friendship with Shmuel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What decision does Bruno's father ultimately make?

<p>To remain at Out-With indefinitely. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Bruno and Shmuel feel when they are finally on the same side of the fence?

<p>Relieved and happy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two types of people are present in the camp, as described by Bruno?

<p>Prisoners and guards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

The Fence

The fence represents the physical barrier between the Nazi camp and the outside world, but it also symbolizes the division between what the Nazis considered human and inhuman.

Striped Pajamas

The striped pajamas worn by Jewish prisoners in the concentration camp serve as a visual identifier of their dehumanized status and their forced segregation.

Children's Mispronunciations

The mispronunciations of words, such as "Out-With" for Auschwitz and "Fury" for Fuhrer, highlight the innocence and limited understanding of children in the face of a brutal reality.

Family

The story explores the devastation caused by war on families, highlighting the pain and separation it brings.

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Friendship

Despite the harsh realities of war and the boundaries set by adults, Bruno and Shmuel develop a friendship, defying societal expectations.

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Innocence

The story explores Bruno's innocence and his limited understanding of the horrors of war, highlighting the contrast between his naivety and the harsh realities surrounding him.

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Warfare

World War II serves as the backdrop of the story, highlighting the brutality and senselessness of war.

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Impact of War on Individuals

Though the story uses World War II as a backdrop, it explores how the war affects individual lives and relationships.

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Prejudice

The tendency to make judgments or have preconceived opinions about people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other group affiliations.

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Racism

A belief that one race is superior to another.

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Presume

The act of assuming something to be true without proof.

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Conviction

A strong belief or conviction.

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Malleable

The ability to be easily shaped or influenced.

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Muster

To gather or assemble something, especially for a specific purpose.

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Chaos

A state of complete disorder and confusion.

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Dismissive

To show a lack of interest or respect.

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Nazi Ideology

The Nazi ideology, particularly the policies of the Nazi party in Germany, had a significant impact on the characters' lives. It created an atmosphere of fear and influenced decisions made by individuals.

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Powerlessness

Powerlessness is a recurring theme in the story. The characters often feel unable to resist the forces of the Nazi regime, leading to fear and despair.

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The 'Fury'

The 'Fury' is Bruno's nickname for the Führer, Adolf Hitler, highlighting the fear he instilled in others.

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Bruno's Mother

Bruno's mother represents the fear and reluctance to question authority in a society dominated by the Nazi regime. She chooses silence and acceptance to protect her family.

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Fear of Treason

The fear of speaking out against the Nazi government is demonstrated in Bruno's mother's concern about being reported for treason after expressing personal disapproval.

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Maria's Strategy

Maria, a character who initially appears submissive, embodies a strategy of compliance and silence as a method of coping with an uncontrollable situation.

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Lieutenant Kotler's Violence

The dropped wine bottle served as an excuse for Lieutenant Kotler's violent behavior, masking a deeper, unaddressed fear stemming from his father's departure to Switzerland.

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Father's Suspicion

Father's questions about Lieutenant Kotler's father's departure to Switzerland suggest a suspicion of the lieutenant's loyalty and potential connections to opposition during wartime.

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Bruno's entertainment

Bruno finds ways to entertain himself in the absence of his friends and usual activities.

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Bruno's opinion of Kotler

Bruno dislikes Lieutenant Kotler, finding him unpleasant and unfriendly.

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Gretel's behavior towards Kotler

Gretel acts nervous and cautious around Lieutenant Kotler, suggesting she is afraid of him.

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Kotler's treatment of Bruno

Lieutenant Kotler treats Bruno with indifference or even hostility, showing little care or concern for him.

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Kotler's treatment of Pavel

Lieutenant Kotler treats Pavel harshly, showing cruelty and lack of respect for him.

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Bruno's reaction to Kotler's treatment of Pavel

Bruno is deeply affected by Lieutenant Kotler's harsh treatment of Pavel, showing sympathy and outrage.

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Bruno's grandparents

Bruno's grandparents were loving and caring towards their grandchildren, creating special memories for them.

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Grandmothers' disappointment

Bruno's grandmother was disappointed when Bruno's father became Commandant because she felt it would change him and distance him from his family.

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Why did Father suspect Lieutenant Kotler's father fled to Switzerland?

Switzerland was a neutral country during World War II, offering refuge to many Jewish people escaping Nazi persecution.

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Why was Lieutenant Kotler anxious during the interrogation?

Lieutenant Kotler's anxiety stems from the fear of being exposed as Jewish and facing persecution by the Nazi regime.

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What deeper tension does the interrogation of Lieutenant Kotler reveal?

The interrogation of Lieutenant Kotler reveals a deeper, unresolved tension in the story - the suspicion of hidden Jewish identity in a society dominated by Nazi ideology.

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Why did Lieutenant Kotler beat up Pavel?

The story explores the lengths people may go to in order to prove their loyalty to a regime, even resorting to violence against those they are supposed to be protecting.

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What is the impact of war on Lieutenant Kotler's actions?

The story highlights the impact of war on individuals and their relationships, emphasizing the tension between societal expectations and personal beliefs.

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How do we know Bruno's family is wealthy?

Bruno's family is wealthy as they have a maid named Maria and a spacious house in Berlin.

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Why does Bruno's family have to move?

Bruno's family is forced to move because his father is assigned a new job in a different location.

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Why does Bruno not want to leave Berlin?

Bruno doesn't want to leave Berlin because he is comfortable with his life there and doesn't want to change his routine.

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Bruno's innocence about the camp

When Shmuel has a black eye, Bruno assumes he got it from a fight with another boy, showcasing Bruno's innocence and lack of understanding about the camp's brutal reality.

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Bruno's hope for Shmuel's freedom

Bruno asks Shmuel every day if he's going to be allowed to go home soon, showing his hope that his friend will be freed from the camp and highlighting the contrast between their fates.

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Meaning of the striped pajamas

The striped pajamas serve as a visual symbol of the Jewish prisoners' dehumanization and their forced segregation. Bruno's casual mention shows his incomplete understanding of the significance.

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Bruno's indiscretion

Bruno accidentally reveals to Gretel that he's been sneaking into the camp and befriending a Jewish boy, highlighting his naivety and his disregard for the danger of being caught.

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Gretel's change in perspective

Gretel's sarcasm shows her growing understanding of the adults' prejudices and her acceptance of the Nazi ideology, highlighting the contrast between her and Bruno's perspectives.

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Bruno's decision to keep quiet

Bruno decides to stop talking about Shmuel to others, fearing the consequences of his actions and showing a growth in awareness of the danger of his friendship.

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Obstacles to their friendship

The boys' friendship is threatened by the camp's security measures, symbolizing the barriers imposed by Nazi cruelty that hinder their connection.

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The vulnerability of their friendship

The boys' friendship is tested by the camp's harsh conditions and the threat of separation, showcasing the vulnerability of their bond in the face of Nazi brutality.

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Study Notes

Symbolism in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

  • The fence represents a physical and symbolic boundary between the prisoners and the "outside" world, a divide created by the Nazi regime.
  • Striped pajamas, like the yellow star in the ghettos, signify the Jewish prisoners' status and treatment as non-human in the eyes of the Nazis.
  • Children's mispronunciations, such as calling Auschwitz "Out-With" or "Fury" for "Führer," reflect the innocence and limited understanding of the children regarding the adults' world and the war.

Themes in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

  • Family: Both Bruno and Shmuel's families are torn apart by the war and Nazi policies, highlighting the devastating effect of the conflict on individuals and families.
  • Friendship: The friendship between Bruno and Shmuel defies the boundaries created by the war and the adults' prejudices.
  • Innocence: Bruno's and Shmuel's youth and lack of understanding of the complexities of the war and the Nazi regime makes them innocent.
  • Warfare: The novel portrays the backdrop of World War II, but also shows the effect of the war on Bruno, Gretel, Shmuel, and their families. The war is portrayed as having a subtle but pervasive influence on their everyday life.

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Boy in the Striped Pajamas Study Guide PDF

Description

Explore the rich symbolism and profound themes present in John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This quiz covers key elements such as the significance of the fence, striped pajamas, and the impact of war on family and friendship, all seen through the innocent eyes of children. Test your understanding of how these elements contribute to the book's overall message.

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