The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Book Talk By: Madelynn Cook
Plot
Bruno and his family are forced to move for his dad's work. Their new home is right next door to a concentration camp. Bruno watches the people from his window and always wonders why they are on the other side of the fence and in striped pajamas. Bruno doesn't understand anything about what's going on, but he forms a friendship with a Jewish boy that isn't allowed.
Characters
Bruno
Bruno had a fabulous life in Berlin with his three best friends for life, Karl, Martin, and Daniel. Until he is forced to move to "Out-With." There is no were to explore and he has no friends. All he has to do is look out the window at the people in the striped pajamas. Until one day when he wanders off and meets someone with the striped pajamas.
Shmuel
Shmuel is a 9 year old boy, who is Jewish. He lives right next door to Bruno, in a concentration camp. Bruno and Shmuel meet one day when Bruno is exploring. Ever since they met they have talked everyday they can, and they are best friends because all they have is each other.
Gretel
Gretel is Bruno's older sister. Bruno refers to her as a hopeless case. Gretel thinks because she is just 3 years older she is the boss. Since moving from their home in Berlin Gretel has changed a lot.
Father
Bruno's father is a soldier and he works with the Nazi's. He is very strict but everyone loves him because he has a very "important" job. He is the reason why everyone had to leave the beautiful house in Berlin. His wife and kids don't know about what he does everyday at work.
Pavel
Pavel lives at the concentration camp but he comes to serve Bruno's family everyday. He used to be a doctor but he gave all of that up to peel potatoes.
Maria
Maria is the maid and is Bruno only friend at "Out-With" until he meets Shmuel.
Former Nazi Explains How The Holocaust Happened - Part 1
Setting
This story takes place at a death camp in Auschwitz where Shmuel and Bruno meet.
Conflict
Bruno is taught to hate Jews, but he has an unlikely friendship with a Jewish boy at the concentration camp near his home. Bruno has to keep this a secret from everyone and help his friend, but at what costs?
Man vs Man
Man vs Man:
Bruno vs his dad: Bruno has a hard time understanding what his dad does and why he does it.
Bruno vs Gretel: Bruno and Gretel are constantly argueing
Bruno vs Lieutenant Kotler: Bruno absolutely hates Lieutenant Kotler
Shmuel vs the Nazi's
Man vs Society and Nature
Man vs Society
Shmuel, Bruno, Bruno's mom and many others are very against what is happening.
Man vs Nature: Shmuel has to survive the harsh weather while at the concentration camp.
Man vs self
Bruno vs himself: Bruno doesn't know whether to choose from right or wrong because he doesn't understand what is going on.
Holocaust Survivor Interview