Human Values Portrayed in 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas'

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Spencer Royse Honors U.S. History p.1 January 16, 2010 “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” The movie “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is about a small boy named Bruno who is the son of a Nazi commander in World War II. He moves with his family to the countryside due to his father’s occupation. From his bedroom he can see what he thinks is a farm. In reality, it is a concentration camp full of Jewish men. Bruno is aware of the war, but he doesn’t know about the concentration camps. While exploring one day he goes to the camp and befriends a boy the same age as him. His name is Shmuel. Bruno visits Shmuel everyday and they talk and play games. Bruno’s sister, Gretel, eventually tells him that the farm is actually a concentration camp and the farmers aren’t really people. They are not the same as her and Bruno. Despite this, Bruno continues to be friends with Shmuel. After some time, Bruno’s mother feels uncomfortable that they are staying so close to the camp. She can smell the burning bodies from the crematories and she completely disagrees with what they’re doing. On the day that they are supposed to move Bruno goes into the camp to help Shmuel find his father. While doing so he is forced into a gas chamber without realizing it. In the end, he and Shmuel are gassed to death. Throughout this story there are many human values portrayed. One of the main values shown in this movie is loyalty. Bruno is faithful to Shmuel in more than one way. He continues to be friends with Shmuel even though his sister said he wasn’t really a person. Bruno doesn’t let what others say influence his decision on staying friends with Shmuel. Also, Bruno made a promise to help Shmuel find his father. Even though he wants to give up halfway through his mission, he sticks to his word and doesn’t leave Shmuels side. Not only is loyalty shown through Bruno and Shmuel’s friendship, it

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