Boy in the Striped PJ's Chapter 6 Questions

1. On pg 60 Bruno reveals a radical shift in his perspective and understanding of Maria. What is this radical shift? What does this show is developing in Bruno? The radical shift on his perspective of Maria is that he realises that Maria has feelings and thoughts like he does and that she might like to do things or be with other people which never occurred to Bruno. This shows that Bruno is developing into someone who is not self-conscious all the time and doesn't just care about him and his problems but how other people feel or think as well.
2. Compare how Bruno and Gretel treat Maria. Bruno treats Maria kindly and always tries to be nice to her unless he is angry which he then orders Maria around like a slave but Gretel whether she is in a kind or mean mood who tone of voice and the way she treats Maria is very harsh and demanding.
3. (pg 65) What is Maria's advice to Bruno about 'keeping safe'? Why do you think that she gives this advice? Do you think that it is good or bad advice? Her advice to Bruno is that he should concentrate on his school work and always listen to what his father tells him to. Maria gives this advice to Bruno so that Bruno doesn't get involved with his fathers job and all the trouble he could be faced with from the Nazi soldiers. I think that this is good advice as it may help Bruno to think about what he is going to say or complain about next time he is near his father or other Nazi soldiers.
4. (65-6) What is Bruno's reaction to his new thoughts/feelings? Why do you think that he reacts this way? Bruno's reaction to his new thoughts and feelings is that he wants to cry because he feels that he must not be rude or disrespectful to people such as Maria or his father as they are good people but that means that he is not allowed to have a say in the matter of going home or cannot say what he thinks or feels to anyone.