Lit1:

-Does the mispronunciation of the word “Auschwitz” have a symbolic meaning? 

Answer: The mispronunciation itself is symbolic, as it portrays the novel’s general idea of horror as seen through the lens of childhood innocence, and also because it could mean “out with” the Jews and other minorities who are killed there.  

 

–do you guys think should parents be allowed to inform their children of what’s happening in the society and particularly in our case about wartime realities? 

 

-Has the fact that Bruno and Gretel have extremely sheltered lives and the filtered information they receive from their parents have prevented them from fully understanding what kinf od place aushwizt truly is.? 

 

–Why doesn’t Bruno understand the nature of his father’s job?  

 

–Why do you think Bruno’s mother fails to tell her son the exact nature of his father’s job? She is possibly 

protecting Bruno by not telling him the true nature of his father’s job. She may think he is too young to 

understand anything more than it is an “important” job, or she may not want him to know the horrors that his 

job involves. 

 

 

Why is it so difficult for Bruno and Gretel to understand the true nature of Auschwitz? They have been sheltered from hearing about places like Auschwitz. They don’t even know that their father’s job is connected to it. They have never experienced anything like it. For example, Gretel is disgusted by the filth of the people she sees through the window and can’t imagine what type of people don’t take baths. 

Lit2:

Lit3:

Summarizer: 

Grandmother seeks to engage with her grandchildren. She is a dynamic woman who likes to create and perform in shows, and she always makes sure to showcase her grandchildren’s talents treating them like people capable of understanding and reason. Father had dinner with Hitler and his girlfriend Eva Braun soon before Christmas. During this meeting, he was awarded the title of Commandant, and was put in charge of Auschwitz. While Grandfather saw this as an honor, Grandmother was apparently not so pleased by her son’s increasing role in the war and in the Nazi party. 

Bruno goes to explore the fence and meets someone in the ‘stripped pajamas’ called Boyne. 

 

Lit4:

Lit 5:

Researcher 

 

Nazi symbol: 

 

The word swastika comes from the Sanskrit svastika, which means “good fortune” or “well-being.” The motif (a hooked cross) appears to have first been used in Eurasia, as early as 7000 years ago, perhaps representing the movement of the sun through the sky. To this day, it is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Odinism. It is a common sight on temples or houses in India or Indonesia. Swastikas also have an ancient history in Europe, appearing on artifacts from pre-Christian European cultures.   

 Lit6:

“I’m asking you, if we’re not Jews, what were we instead?”
“We’re the opposite,” said Gretel, answering quickly and sounding a lot more satisfied with this answer. “Yes, that’s it. We’re the opposite.” (p.183) 

 

Reason for picking:
It perfectly illustrates the nativity and innocence of the two characters, whereas Bruno acknowledge the truth.     

 

Plan for discussion: 

What do you guys think about Bruno’s parents, should they let him know the truth? 

 

“I look just like you now,” said Bruno sadly, as if this was a terrible thing to admit.
“Only fatter,” admitted Shmuel. (p.185) 

 

Reason for picking: 

Bruno is symbolically sympathizing with Shmuel as Bruno has a shaven head and feels one of his kind. 

 

Plan for Discussion: 

The fact that the two boys now look similar with shaved heads serves to underscore both their differences and their similarities. What do you guys think about this?