Observations
What does Bruno see from his window?
A large fenced area with people in striped pajamas.
Why does Bruno’s family move?
His father has been assigned an important job by 'the Fury'.
Who is Maria?
She is the family’s maid and has been with them for years.
What does the fence symbolize?
Separation, discrimination, and injustice.
Who says, 'We don’t have the luxury of thinking… we must do our duty'?
Bruno’s father.
How does Gretel react when she sees the people beyond the fence?
She is puzzled and tries to explain it logically.
How does Bruno feel about moving to the new house?
He is unhappy, misses Berlin, and dislikes his new home.
Why does Maria feel loyal to Bruno’s father?
He helped her family when they were struggling financially.
What theme is shown through Bruno’s innocence?
The contrast between childhood innocence and the horrors of war.
What does Bruno ask his father that makes him pause?
'Who are all those people outside? And what are they doing there?'
Why does Gretel initially think they live in the countryside?
Because of the open land and lack of city buildings.
What does Bruno’s father say about their new situation?
He tells Bruno they must do their duty and not question things.
What does Bruno learn about Maria’s past?
His father gave her mother a job and helped them survive.
What theme is highlighted through Maria’s story?
Loyalty and the power imbalance between authority figures and subordinates.
Why does Maria say Bruno should respect his father?
Because he was kind to her family and saved them.
What does Bruno notice about the people on the other side of the fence?
They all wear the same striped clothing and look unhappy.
What phrase does Bruno’s father say that shows his authority?
'We don’t have the luxury of thinking… we must do our duty.'
Why does Maria warn Bruno about speaking badly of his father?
She knows that questioning authority could be dangerous.
Why does Bruno call his father 'stupid'?
He is frustrated about their move and does not understand his father’s role.
What does Gretel say when Bruno asks who the people outside are?
She initially thinks they might be part of the countryside.
What is missing on the other side of the fence that confuses Bruno?
There are no women, girls, or elderly people.
How does Bruno’s father justify his job?
He says it is important for the country and their family.
How does Maria’s perspective change Bruno’s view of his father?
He realizes his father is more complicated than he thought.
What does Gretel do at the end of Chapter 4 that symbolizes her denial?
She turns away from the window and goes back to playing with her dolls.
What does Bruno ask Maria that shows his curiosity?
'Why do you never complain?'