The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

 

Similarities between BRUNO AND SHMUEL

 

¨       They are boys

¨       Live at Auschwitz

¨       Have a family

¨       They are the same age/ same birth date

¨       They are both European

¨       Both can speak German

¨       Hate Auschwitz

                                                      

 

Fathers Character 

Bruno's father as a character was an important part of the plot in the novel. Some characteristics of Ralph/Father were proud, confident, strict and happy with himself. He loves his job working under Hitler and doesn't enjoy others telling him what to do, liking to always be in control. Father was a good role model for Bruno as he taught him how to be a gentleman and a good person even though Father's job was brutal and lacked humanity. Some examples from the text include: ' the same way that Father had taught Bruno to salute.' And 'for Father was not usually the type of man to give anyone a hug.'

  

1.   Describe the person’s clothes or any other aspects of their physical appearance.

 

Father’s new uniform is neat and clean which he takes pride in. He looks as though he is authoritative and important in his job. Father (Ralph) is well groomed and confident and very sure of himself which makes him look important.

 

2.   Think of 3 adjectives that describe his general behaviour, e.g. happy, proud, quiet.

 

Confident

Proud

Tidy

 

3.   How do other people treat him?

 

His family look up to him with immense admiration and pride.  His mother is disappointed with his position in the Army and is unhappy when he is appointed into his new role.  She is familiar with the duties performed by the soldiers at Auschwitz.  The soldiers he commands are totally under his control and they show him a lot of respect.

 

4.   What does the writer suggest about the person or people underneath the appearance? How does he do this?

 

Underneath his uniform, father is just a ‘puppet on a string’ following Hitler. He is rewarded with an important role and an impressive uniform, being in charge of the camp he follows Hitler's orders doing the dirty work for him.  His family see that he needs rewards for his hard work. Grandma is disappointed and sees that father has lost his way in life and wonders how her input into his upbringing affected the childhood which formed the man that he had now become.

 

 

  

Fathers Job

 

After Father shows off his new uniform to family and guests Father, Grandmother, Grandfather and Mother disappear behind closed doors to discuss the work he is actually doing at Auschwitz camp. 

 

Grandmother: How can you work for him, have you heard the rumours of what he does to the people he doesn’t like.

Father: It has taken me years to reach this job; it would be many years of hard work wasted.

Grandmother: That ridiculous uniform, it’s not a true indication of your upbringing. Your not like this, how can the Fuhrer control you like this, you’re a lovely person deep down.

Father: It’s called being patriotic, I want to restore Germany’s power as a top country.

Grandmother: By eliminating the people who aren’t superior enough to live in this great country.

Grandfather: Its okay you two, keep your voices down.

Grandmother: I can’t believe this.

Father: I can’t turn my back on the Fuhrer and the country, not with the current things happening. He may even harm my family. I made an oath.

Grandmother: Good to see you care about your family.

Mother: The family is the main thing Ralph, whatever you choose is the right decision.

Father: I still believe that I am fine in my position, I’m enjoying the rewards.

Grandmother: How do the children find out, do they want to realise that their father was an unkind man. Bruno will ask questions.

Father: Bruno will need to be told at some point, but not for now.

Mother: Let’s go and join the party.

(Walk out the doors)

Grandmother: I’m ashamed of my son!