The Boy In The Striped Pajamas Essay Questions

Semester 1 Essay Test

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

John Boyne

What caused John Boyne to write this particular book? Tip: If you don’t remember the class discussion, you can look online. (10 pts.)

He wanted to teach children about concentration camps and why it was partially towards Jews. He changed certain parts in the book to not make children scared of what had actually happened during the war. He changed it to a fable to help kids really understand and get the children’s thoughts and meaning of the war. He wanted children to learn about the history and why it all happened to just the Jews.

Describe the relationship between Bruno and Gretel? (15 pts.) Bruno sometimes refers to Gretel as a hopeless case or “trouble”. Bruno and Gretel have very different opinions on things. Gretel is very into the Nazis and Holocaust that is happening in Germany,

Bruno and Shmuel both were the same age and were forced to live in Germany which they were very similar and relatable to each other. I think that the book would not be as effective if he used adults in the place of the children, I think this because children can relate to each other and interact with each other in a different way than adults can.

Explain how the mood and tone of this book change from beginning to end. You may reference your notes in your interactive student notebook. (50 pts.)

Bruno’s mood in the beginning of the book is very happy that he is living in Berlin with his best friends and family in their big house. Bruno’s mood changes drastically when he is told that him and his family have to move. His mood changes again at the end of the novel because he meets a new friend that he goes to see everyday at the fence. His mood also changes when he helps Schmoel find his father.

How has reading this book changed or shaped you as a person who is about to approach adulthood? Give reasons for your answer. (50