The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (55-104)

Summary

Chapter 6 begins with a conversation between Bruno and Maria after she enters to put away his clothes. Still upset about them moving to Out-With, Bruno asks Maria how she feels about the move. She thinks for a while before answering. She isn't personally happy, but she supports Bruno's father and says to trust in him in that he knows best. She tells Bruno about the wonderful things his father has done for her and her family. She thinks that he is a good man, but does not particularly agree with his job. They hear loud and intense foot steps coming up the stairs as they talk. Gretel busts through the door and tells Maria to make her a bath. Bruno stands up for Maria by telling Gretel, she can do it for herself because Maria too is human and can do so many things.

One day Bruno goes to Gretel's room and looks out her window, an Oak Tree catches his attention. He wants to create a tire swing to play on. He has rope but doesn't have a tire, so he thinks to ask Lieutenant Kotler for one. He sees him talking to his sister, who has a crush on Kotler, who helps him get a tire. Bruno builds the tire swing.

Quote

"Pavel came towards them and kotler spoke to him insolently despite the fact that he was young enough to be grandfather" (Boyne 76).

Reaction

This quote shows the authority Lieutenant Kotler has over men in the camp much older then himself. Moments before, he had been talking with Gretel and Bruno in a very friendly way, so to switch from one persona to other was drastic. He is numb when it comes to the people in the striped pajamas. Even Bruno himself said that he was ashamed to be part of it. Bruno realizes that all people deserve respect, because like him, they have thoughts and feelings. Kotler yelling at Pavel let both Gretel and Bruno see another side one of him.