The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

“Of course all this happened a long time ago, and nothing like that could ever happen again. Not in this day and age.”

1. Innocence Through a Child’s Eyes

The story uniquely unfolds through the innocent perspective of nine-year-old Bruno, who doesn’t understand the horrors around him. His naivety filters the brutality of Auschwitz into something he interprets in his childlike world, such as referring to the prisoners’ uniforms as “striped pajamas.”

Bruno’s ignorance shapes the narrative, making the contrast between his understanding and reality deeply moving. This innocence emphasizes how children have a pure way of viewing the world without the prejudices adults often adopt. Bruno’s questions about the people behind the fence—why they are there, and why they all wear the same clothes—highlight the stark differences in perception between children and adults.

Bruno’s lack of knowledge isn’t just about the camp but extends to the ideologies driving it. For example, he innocently thinks “Heil Hitler” is merely a polite greeting, showcasing a complete detachment from the harsh truths surrounding him.

Examples

• Bruno mishears "Auschwitz" as "Out-With," symbolizing his lack of comprehension.
• He asks Shmuel why he and his friends never play or smile, observing things but not understanding them.
• Bruno finds the fences strange and believes them to be there without considering their purpose of trapping people inside.

2. A Clash of Worlds: Bruno and Shmuel’s Friendship

One of the book’s most touching themes revolves around Bruno’s budding friendship with Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in the camp. Despite their vastly different lives, the boys bond over shared age, interests, and even birthday—a deliberate symbol of their inherent equality.

Bruno doesn’t see Shmuel as “other.” He doesn’t understand the prejudice surrounding him or why his father views Shmuel and the other prisoners as less than human. For Bruno, Shmuel is simply another boy, albeit one who is sadder and skinnier than anyone he’s ever known.

This friendship challenges the hate and division presented in the adults' world by showing that children care little for constructs like race or religion. It’s an uplifting reminder of our shared humanity, but also tragic since the boys’ connection ends so brutally.

Examples

• Bruno sneaks out regularly to meet Shmuel by the fence, showing his affection and curiosity.
• They bond over their shared experiences, such as having no friends at their respective homes.
• Bruno’s final gesture—choosing to explore Shmuel’s world—shows his loyalty and love.

3. The Fence as a Literal and Symbolic Divide

The fence separating Bruno and Shmuel is a powerful image that underscores the division between their worlds. While it’s a physical barrier that keeps Bruno safe from Auschwitz, it also represents the ideological divide that separates people during times of hatred and discrimination.

Bruno, however, doesn’t perceive it the same way adults do. To him, the fence is a curiosity, something unusual and strange, rather than something malicious. He never questions why the fence is there or why people on the other side aren't allowed to leave.

This innocence and Bruno’s ability to bridge this divide with friendship stands in stark contrast to the obedience and cruelty of the adults, who use fences and barriers to enforce their power and ideology.

Examples

• Bruno walks the fence out of curiosity, leading to his first meeting with Shmuel.
• The fence limits Shmuel’s life but also helps Bruno and Shmuel forge their bond in secret.
• The story ends tragically when Bruno crosses the fence, merging the fate of both boys.

4. The Naivety of Childhood

Bruno’s childlike interpretations of the world around him are both endearing and heartbreaking. His lack of awareness about Auschwitz and its meaning shields him from the horrors his father is complicit in.

Even when told directly by his father that the people behind the fence are “not people,” Bruno doesn’t question what he’s told. His refusal to see Shmuel differently from himself speaks to his innate kindness and the way children often view others without societal filters.

The tension in the story arises from this duality—Bruno’s innocence and our adult understanding of the Holocaust—and makes his eventual fate all the more gut-wrenching.

Examples

• Bruno believes that moving to “Out-With” is just his father’s job and not connected to war.
• He trusts Shmuel completely, even choosing to enter the camp despite what he observes.
• Bruno’s understanding of the camp remains simplistic until the very end, when it’s too late.

5. The Role of Family and Authority

Bruno’s family plays a key role in shaping his experiences, but their dysfunction reflects their moral failings. His father, a staunch Nazi, commands the camp with pride, while his mother struggles silently, clearly troubled by their circumstances but unable to resist authority.

Bruno forms a formal and distant relationship with his father, shaped largely by admiration for his authority as a soldier. Meanwhile, his sister, Gretel, absorbs Nazi ideology, decorating her room with propaganda posters, much to Bruno’s confusion.

This dynamic creates a stark contrast with Bruno’s understanding of humanity and friendship. Despite being shaped by his family’s worldviews, Bruno’s time with Shmuel shows his ability to think differently.

Examples

• Bruno’s father dismisses his questions about the camp, reinforcing his authority.
• His mother doesn’t explain their move, shutting down questions about her dissatisfaction.
• Gretel harbors Nazi ideologies by idolizing soldiers, which influences her behavior toward Bruno.

6. Compassion Without Borders

Through Bruno’s growing bond with Shmuel, the novel emphasizes the power of human connection even under the most inhumane conditions. Compassion and innocence allow Bruno to see goodness where others see enemies.

Bruno’s willingness to meet and help Shmuel—despite knowing it’s forbidden by his parents—shows his loyalty and empathy. This connection becomes especially poignant when Bruno crosses the fence, not because he ignores the danger but because his loyalty outweighs his fear.

The fence serves as a reminder that arbitrary borders exist only in our perceptions, as Bruno’s actions show that love and friendship cannot be confined by them.

Examples

• Bruno acknowledges Shmuel’s hunger and shares food during their meetings.
• He insists they can find Shmuel’s father together, disregarding the risks.
• He joins Shmuel in the gas chamber, choosing companionship over separation.

7. The Tragedy of Unawareness

The novel’s tragedy stems partly from Bruno’s failure to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late. His naivety leads him into a situation he doesn’t fully perceive as dangerous. His final promise to help Shmuel finds meaning only when we see the horrifying context of their final moments.

Bruno’s attitude mirrors the indifference of those who didn’t act during the Holocaust, though his innocence exonerates him. The reader, however, is left to grapple with the weight of history, knowing the real-world consequences of similar ignorance.

Examples

• Bruno doesn’t think twice about crossing the fence, seeing it as an adventure.
• He doesn’t realize the full consequences of wearing Shmuel’s striped pajamas.
• His parents’ reactions after his disappearance reflect their eventual moral reckoning.

8. Historical Fiction as a Fable

The novel is presented as a fable—a simplified, morally-driven tale meant to provoke thought. While criticized for its historical inaccuracies, this format reaches a wider audience by simplifying complex historical events.

The story’s simplicity starkly contrasts the unfathomable nature of the Holocaust, which can be instructive for younger readers even as it’s debated by adults. For many, it serves as an entry point into understanding prejudice, cruelty, and injustice.

Examples

• The deliberate phrasing of “Out-With” mirrors Bruno’s misunderstanding.
• Simple dialogue allows readers of all levels to engage with the story.
• Moral wording in the conclusion invites reflection without heavy explanations.

9. The Final, Chilling Message

The story’s closing lines shake the reader out of narrative immersion, forcing us to reckon with its relevance. By stating that “nothing like this could ever happen again,” the book ironically criticizes our complacency, as history often repeats itself.

The gas chamber scene, while fictional, forces readers to reflect on countless real victims who weren’t awarded such attention. The universality of the boys’ friendship exemplifies humanity's potential for good, countering the horrors we inflict on each other.

Examples

• Bruno holds Shmuel’s hand as they face their fate, symbolizing unity.
• The narrator’s closing assurance contrasts real historical atrocities.
• The father’s realization drives home the senseless nature of their deaths.

Takeaways

1. Teach empathy and compassion across differences starting at an early age, as children are naturally open to connection.
2. Reflect on historical atrocities to ensure we don’t allow similar hatred and prejudice to resurface in modern society.
3. Recognize the impact of naivety and ignorance, and strive to confront and educate ourselves about uncomfortable truths.