The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Chapters 8 until 11

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Chapters 8 until 11

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Analyze characters' motivations and moral conflicts.
  
• Compare and contrast perspectives on patriotism.
  
• Understand the impact of historical context on character development.
  
• Reflect on themes such as innocence, obedience, and friendship.
  

What do you think it means to be a patriot?

Recap Summary (Chapters 8–11)

• Chapter 8: Bruno recalls his grandmother and an argument she had with his father over his new military role.
  
• Chapter 9: Bruno explores his environment and becomes more curious about the "farm" (the concentration camp).
  
• Chapter 10: Bruno meets Shmuel at the fence for the first time; they form an instant connection.
  
• Chapter 11: Bruno recalls a dinner with “The Fury” and how the family’s life changed afterward.
  

Why do you think Grandmother disagreed so strongly with Father? What does this reveal about her character?

Hates the uniform and what it stands for.

Is proud of the uniform and the job.

Thinks the country is more important than personal beliefs

Thinks doing what is right is more important than just obeying.

Believes real patriots ask questions and speak the truth.

Believes good citizens stay quiet and do what they are told.

A patriot is someone who speaks out when their country is doing something wrong.

A patriot is someone who follows orders and supports their country no matter what.

Bruno's father

Grandmother

What is patriotism?

Patriotism means:

• Loving your country
  
• Being proud of your country
  
• Wanting to help your country
  

But sometimes, people believe they are helping their country when they are doing something bad or wrong.

👉 In The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, some people think they are being good patriots, but they hurt others.

Patriotism in the story

• Bruno’s father works for the Nazi army. He thinks he is helping Germany.
  
• He follows Hitler, who tells people to hate Jews.
  
• Bruno is too young to understand. He just wants to be a good person.
  
• Bruno’s grandmother does not agree with the war. She thinks it is wrong.

💬 The story shows that real patriotism should mean doing what is kind and fair—not just following orders.

"We don’t have the luxury of thinking. Some people make all the decisions for us." – Shmuel

What does this quote suggest about Shmuel’s experience and understanding of his world compared to Bruno’s?

What part of today’s discussion made you think differently about any character or event?