Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Packet 1
Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Period: ____________
Reading Questions, Chapters 6-10
*Questions must be COMPLETELY answered in order to receive credit!*
Chapter 6 (Read and complete for _______________________)
1. Why did Bruno have such a long, interesting conversation with Maria in this chapter when he had
never done so before?
2. Why did Maria think so carefully about her responses to Bruno before answering?
3. When Bruno asks Maria, “You can’t tell me that you’re happy we’ve moved here, surely?” Maria
answers, I always enjoyed the garden in the house in Berlin” (57). What strategy is Maria using
here in answering Bruno’s question?
4. When Maria tells Bruno that it isn’t important what she thinks, Bruno disagrees. Who do you
think is correct? Explain your answer.
5. Describe how Maria became a maid for Bruno’s family.
Chapter 7 (Read and complete for _______________________)
1. Why do you think it took Bruno “several weeks” after arriving at Out-With to decide that he’d
better start entertaining himself?
2. Bruno’s mother says, “War is not a fit subject for conversation” (69). Do you agree with her
viewpoint? Defend your answer.
3. What caused Bruno’s former neighbor, Franz, to act so strangely?
4. Think of four character traits that you think would describe Lieutenant Kotler to someone who
had never met him.
5. Pavel reveals something about himself Bruno finds astonishing. What is it? How did this change
in circumstance happen?
6. Although Bruno is horrified that his mother is planning on taking credit for cleaning Bruno up
instead of Pavel, it is possible she is wise for doing so. Why might this be true?
Chapter 8 (Read and complete for _______________________)
1. How did Bruno’s grandmother feel about being asked to sing at parties? How do you know this?
2. Describe how Bruno’s grandmother felt about Father’s uniform and responsibilities.
3. Bruno’s grandmother says to her daughter-in-law, “Handsome, did you say? You foolish girl! Is
that what you consider to be of importance in the world?” ( 92). In your own opinion, what are
some things about a person which are more important than looks?
Chapter 9 (Read and complete for _______________________)
1. What things did Herr Liszt plan to emphasize in Bruno’s studies? Why do you think he decided
this?
2. Why do you think Bruno’s parents had forbidden him from walking near the fence?
Chapter 10 (Read and complete for _______________________)
1. Describe how Bruno came across Shmuel
2. What was unusual about their birthdates?
3. Describe your thoughts when you read the part when Bruno informs Shmuel that the German
people were superior (pages 111-112).
4. Why did Bruno feel he had to pay more attention in geography class?
5. This chapter ends with a question. Predict how you think Shmuel will answer it.