The Commonalities in Bruno and Shmuel’s Relationship in The Boy in The Striped Pajamas

John Boyne's book, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," tells a touching story about an unusual friendship during World War II. It's about two eight-year-old boys, Bruno and Shmuel. Bruno is the son of a top Nazi officer, while Shmuel is a Jewish boy stuck in a concentration camp. Despite living such different lives, they have some surprising things in common. This essay will look at how their innocence, curiosity, and feeling of being alone bring them together. Their bond challenges the walls built by hate and prejudice.

Commonalities in Contrast: The Alike Features of Bruno and Shmuel

One thing that really stands out is how innocent both Bruno and Shmuel are. Neither of them gets what's truly going on around them or the horror of the Holocaust. For instance, Bruno doesn't quite understand his dad’s job or why the camp exists—he even calls it "Out-With" instead of Auschwitz. Shmuel, living inside the camp itself, doesn’t fully grasp all the terrible things happening either. This innocence lets them become real friends without the hate that surrounds them messing things up. Isn't it kind of amazing how their pure hearts contrast with all the cruelty from adults?

Another way they're alike is their curiosity. Both kids are naturally curious about their worlds. Bruno wants to explore even though his parents say no; that's how he ends up meeting Shmuel at the fence. Meanwhile, Shmuel wonders about life outside his prison-like home and asks Bruno lots of questions about it. Their shared curiosity pulls them closer and shows they want to understand this confusing world.

They also share this deep sense of isolation. Bruno feels lonely after moving from Berlin to a creepy house near the camp; he misses his old pals and familiar comforts. Shmuel’s loneliness is even more intense—cut off from family and stuck in harsh camp conditions. It makes you wonder how two lonely souls find comfort in each other amid such darkness.

Both boys also show incredible strength despite everything they face. They hold onto hope somehow—Bruno with his need to explore, and Shmuel quietly enduring camp life horrors. Their friendship gives them strength, offering brief happiness when everything seems bleak.

Conclusion

So, even though Bruno and Shmuel live worlds apart in many ways, their similarities run deep. Their shared innocence, curiosity, loneliness, and resilience build a strong connection that breaks through prejudice's barriers. Through these boys’ eyes in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," John Boyne explores childhood's purity and human connection's lasting power. Their friendship reminds us that empathy can shine through even when times are toughest.

References

• Boyne, J. (2006). The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. David Fickling Books.
• Sullivan-Bissett, E., & Noordhof, P.A (2013). A Defence of Innocence: Innocence as a Moral Concept
• Kertzer , D.I.(2001) Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara
• Langer L.L.(1995) Preempting The Holocaust
• Mannheim J.(2018) Becoming Human Again: An Exploration Into Learning To Live Again After Trauma