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130 questions
Why is Bruno upset?
Because he hates his father
He doesn't get along with Maria
He enjoys school and doesn't want to leave
He doesn't want to leave Berlin
Select the piece of textual evidence that best supports the idea that anti-Semitism existed long before WWII and the Holocaust.
"'Hey, you!' he shouted, then adding a word that Bruno did not understand. 'Come over here, you---' He said the word again, and something about the harsh sound of it made Bruno look away and feel ashamed to be part of this at all." (p. 75)
"'When did you arrive at Out-With?' asked Bruno.
"'I think I've always been here,' [Pavel] said finally in a quiet voice." (p. 84)
Bruno's father "has a lot of kindness in his soul, truly he does, which makes me wonder..." (p. 62)
"Those people...well, they're not really people at all, Bruno." (p. 53)
Why might the author have decided to use the word “pajamas” to describe the prisoners' uniforms? Select any and all options that apply.
The word 'pajamas' highlights Bruno's innocence and naivete.
Because the word 'pajamas' has several positive connotations such as sleep, comfort, warmth, etc., the author's word choice is purposely ironic in order to highlight the prisoners' incredible lack of such positive things.
The word 'pajamas' highlights Bruno's love of sleepovers.
Because the word 'pajamas' has several positive connotations such as sleep, comfort, warmth, etc., the author chose this word in order to draw attention to how sleepy and tired the prisoners were.
Select any and all examples of dramatic irony.
Bruno thinks it's not fair that Father makes all the decisions for the family.
Bruno thinks his mother is selfishly taking credit for cleaning his wound even though Pavel was the one who actually helped Bruno.
Bruno thinks that Shmuel is lucky to be on the other side of the fence with so many kids to play with.
Bruno observes that sometimes the pajama people "fell to the ground and sometimes they didn't even get up and had to be carried away instead." (p. 101)
Which of the following comments from Bruno support the idea that he is still innocent and naive when it comes to understanding social hierarchy (differences in social status/standing)?
Bruno says to Gretel, "You're only twelve anyway...So stop pretending to be older than you are." (p. 74)
Bruno says to Maria, "You're part of the family, aren't you?" (p. 58)
Bruno says to Pavel, "You're not a doctor." (p. 82)
Bruno asks Shmuel, "Then why do you speak German?" (p. 111)
Read the following passage from the novel and complete the statement that follows.
"'Run me a bath, Maria, will you?' [Gretel] asked.
'Why can't you run your own bath?' snapped Bruno.
'Because she's the maid,' said Gretel, staring at him. 'That's what she's here for.'" (P. 63)
Gretel’s expectations of Maria, as evidenced by this conversation with Bruno, suggest that ______________________.
she is beginning to learn and adopt some of the prejudices towards people of different social standing as displayed by the adults in her life.
she is a spoiled brat who lacks manners.
Maria isn’t meeting Gretel’s needs.
she is very impatient when it comes to hygiene and other such personal matters.
What does the following quote from Maria suggest about her (as well as many other Germans) who were unhappy with the way things were under Hitler’s rule?
"Bruno, if you have any sense at all, you will stay quiet and concentrate on your school work and do whatever your father tells you. We must all just keep ourselves safe until this is all over. That's what I intend to do anyway. What more can we do than that after all? It's not up to us to change things." (p. 65)
By telling herself that there’s nothing she can do to change things, Maria feels powerless and plunges into a deep depression that prevents her from doing her job to the best of her ability.
By telling herself that there’s nothing she can do to change things, she accepts her powerlessness and goes about her daily routine, trying not to think about the horrible crimes being committed by the Nazi party.
By telling Bruno that they must just stay safe until the war is over, Maria is teaching Bruno that safety comes first.
By telling Bruno that they must just stay safe until the war is over, she is suggesting that Bruno enlist in the military when he grows up so that he can be just like his father and keep the German citizens safe.
What was the author’s purpose in including the anecdote about Herr Roller, the old man who "was often seen walking up and down the street at all hours of the day or night, having terrible arguments with himself" as well as Mother's response to Bruno's laughter (seen below)? (p. 67)
"'He suffered a terrible injury during the Great War, an injury to his head...It's nothing to laugh at. You have no idea of what the young men went through back then. Their suffering...It was many years ago,...Before you were born. Franz was one of the young men who fought for us in the trenches. Your father knew him very well back then; I believe they served together.'
'And what happened to him?' asked Bruno.
'It doesn't matter...War is not a fit subject for conversation." (pp. 68-69)
to highlight how immature and mischievous Bruno is since he laughed at the old man’s behavior.
to emphasize what a terrible war World War I was by showing one of its survivors still suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) several years later.
to lighten the mood given the depressing topic of the Holocaust.
to show how Mother purposely avoids the topic of war, thus allowing her to continue ignoring the horrible crimes her husband is committing in the name of war.
What is the main reason behind Bruno’s fondness for Grandmother?
Grandmother spoils him and treats him like a king.
While Father treats children as if they were meant to be seen and not heard, Grandmother celebrates their talents and allows them to express themselves on stage.
While Mother insists that Bruno be polite and well-mannered, Grandmother allows Bruno to act however he please with no regard for social manners or courtesy.
Grandmother always gives Bruno candy when he visits.
Why was the introduction of Herr Liszt important?
Herr Liszt is most likely a spy trying to determine whether certain German citizens, including Bruno and Gretel, were disloyal to the Nazi party and report them if they were not so that they could be re-educated.
Herr Liszt is a private teacher/tutor with who really enjoys history. Bruno's favorite new subject could end up being history because of this fact.
The fact that he discourages Bruno from reading fiction will create a conflict with Grandmother who teaches Bruno about drama and the theater.
Herr Liszt is a private teacher/tutor with views that are strongly aligned to the Nazi party and its ideologies. This places Bruno and Gretel at risk for youth indoctrination (teaching young people to accept a set of beliefs without questioning them whatsoever).
Which of the following aspects of the story is most likely NOT historically accurate?
Bruno can only see male prisoners from his bedroom window.
Shmuel, a very small nine-year-old, is living and working in the camp.
Herr Liszt, a private tutor, is allowed to teach with an emphasis on history.
Pavel is now a waiter and no longer a doctor.
What is the most likely reason the author chose to give the same exact date of birth to both Bruno and Shmuel?
The author chose to give the same exact date of birth to both Bruno and Shmuel in order to emphasize the fact that these are two human beings who are very similar in some ways but not in social status, nationality, or religion which ultimately causes them to lead incredibly different lives.
The author chose to give the same exact date of birth to both Bruno and Shmuel in order to give the boys something to bond over during their initial (first) meeting. This in turn will lead to a lasting friendship between the two boys.
The author chose to give the same exact date of birth to both Bruno and Shmuel to suggest that they could be twins, as Bruno said.
The author chose to give the same exact date of birth to both Bruno and Shmuel to suggest that Shmuel is Bruno's brother from another mother.
Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best emphasizes Bruno's extreme naivete and Shmuel's unfortunate understanding of the situation?
"'It's so unfair,' said Bruno. 'I don't see why I have to be stuck over here on this side of the fence where there's no one to talk to and no one to play with and you get to have dozens of friends and are probably playing for hours every day. I'll have to speak to Father about it.'
'Where did you come from?' asked Shmuel, narrowing his eyes and looking at Bruno curiously." (p. 111)
"'Poland...That's not as good as Germany, is it?'
Shmuel frowned. 'Why isn't it?' he asked." (p. 111)
"'Where I come from is much nicer than Berlin,' said Shmuel, who had never been to Berlin. 'Everyone there is friendly and we have lots of people in our family and the food is a lot better, too.'" (p. 114)
"'I think Poland is in Denmark,' said Bruno, growing more confused even though he was trying to sound clever. 'Because that's many miles away,' he repeated for added confirmation.
Shmuel stared at him for a moment and opened his mouth and closed it twice, as if he was considering his words carefully. 'But this is Poland,' he said finally." (p. 112)
Why might Grandmother compare herself to a blank wall in the following quote?
"I [Grandmother] was merely the blank wall to whom you [Grandfather] addressed your words. As usual." (p. 91)
This comparison suggests that Grandmother feels like she has to brace herself against Grandfather's harsh criticism of her as well as his excessive profanity. This suggests that they may not have a very healthy relationship anymore.
This comparison suggests that Grandmother actively ignores Grandfather during this conversation since his opinions about the current state of affairs differ so greatly from her own.
Grandfather may have discussed the dangers of speaking out at this particular Christmas party given the fact that there would be many Nazi soldiers there but, because there is a metaphorical barrier between Grandfather and Grandmother when it comes to the topic of their son's employment, Grandmother may not have been willing to listen.
Grandfather talks at Grandmother rather than engaging in conversation with her to see what her opinion might be.
Which of the following can be inferred from the following statements made by Bruno?
"Poland...That's not as good as Germany, is it?" (p. 111)
"Germany is the greatest of all countries...We're superior." (p. 112)
Bruno truly believes that Germany is the greatest country in the world.
Like many children do, Bruno repeats these things because he has heard his father say them.
Bruno is a true patriot and loves his country dearly.
Like many children do, Bruno tries to one-up Shmuel in the conversation.
Read the following passage. What do you think Pavel means by his reply?
"'When did you arrive at Out-With?' asked Bruno.
"'I think I've always been here,' [Pavel] said finally in a quiet voice." (p. 84)
Pavel has had a long day at work and is looking forward to going home.
Pavel has had to endure the horrific conditions of the camp for a long time and, since there doesn't seem to be an end in sight, it feels like it has been an eternity since his arrival at Out-With. This comment is a reflection of the effects this traumatic experience has had on Pavel.
Pavel has no concept of time anymore since he is such an old man. This comment is a reflection of his senility.
Pavel has worked in the camp for a very long time, first as a doctor and then as a waiter. This comment merely addresses the length of his stay at Out-With.
What will Bruno miss most about his house in Berlin?
The window through which he can look out across Berlin.
The banister he rides from the top floor to the bottom.
The treehouse in the backyard
The basement where he watches Cook and eavesdrops on Lars and Maria.
Why is Bruno's family leaving Berlin?
They are no longer safe from the Allied air raids.
Bruno's father has lost his job.
Bruno's father has been promoted.
Bruno's father is trying to escape the Nazis.
What is the passive aggressive term Mother uses to refer to Father, a term that Bruno knows he is not allowed to use?
"he who must be obeyed"
"my dear husband"
"that man"
"some people"
Who are Bruno's three friends from Berlin?
Martin, Lukas, Florian
Karl, Daniel, Martin
Daniel, Lukas, David
Vincent, Florian, Martin
What does Bruno refer to his sister as?
Big Sister The Great
The All Powerful
A Hopeless Case
A Lost Case
What does Mother say to Bruno about his Father's work?
That it's important work for the country.
That it's a boring job.
That it's scary work
That it takes a lot of time.
Based upon indirect characterization throughout Chapter One, what kind of a man is Bruno's Father appear to be?
kind and patient
wise and knowledgeable
vicious and mean
strict and disciplined
Unsettled about leaving the house in Berlin unattended, who would Bruno prefer stay behind and watch over the house while they are away?
Gretel
Lars
Maria
Grandmother and Grandfather
Where does the story begin?
Munich, Germany
Auschwitz, Poland
Berlin, Germany
Which statement reflects the philosophy of the Nazi party toward Jews?
"They are our enemies in this war."
"They are not people at all, Bruno."
"They are Jews."
Who is the protagonist of the story?
Father
Bruno
The Fury
"Some people make all the decisions for us". Mother's mood about moving is
happy
furious
annoyed
confused
How do we know that the grandmother does not like Nazis? Check all that apply?
she shows disgust at her son's party for his promotion
she will not come to visit her son and his family while they are next to the concentration camp
she protests in Berlin before being bombed by Hitler
she would not have wanted Hitler's signed card on her coffin
What actions support the claim that Lieutenant Kotler is cruel? (choose all that apply)
he beat up Pavel when he spilled the wine at the dinner table
He said, "They smell even worse when they're burning."
he screamed at Pavel like an animal to go get Bruno a tire for the swing
As they left, they stood in a row together like toy soldiers and their arms shot out in the same way that Father had taught Bruno to salute....
What type of figurative language is used in this sentence?
hyperbole
idiom
metaphor
simile
what would be the best description of Bruno's mother's reaction to the prospect of moving?
Enthusiastic and wanting to move immediately
Unwilling to move and supportive of her children's dislike of being moved.
Not enthusiastic but meekly accepting that she has no choice.
Supportive of her husband's need to move because of his job, personally very upset.
What is the passive aggressive term Mother uses to refer to Father when she doesn't want to name him specifically?
"he who must be obeyed"
"my dear husband"
"that man"
"some people"
"he who must not be named"
enunciate
to free from confinement
to say or pronounce in a confusing manner
to say or pronounce clearly
to jump or hop in a direct manner
During which war does the setting of the story, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", take place?
World War I
World War II
The War of 1812
War of the Worlds
Which country was responsible for the Holocaust?
Poland
Germany
United States
Italy
What does Gretel say that shows she has prejudices straight from her mother and father?
children who go to countryside holiday camps are just not fun to play with
only german officers' children were good fun to play with
she claims that jewish children were fun to play with but not those ones
she states how those children were not the type they should play with, and that they were filthy
"And other things are probably better left alone. Like a dead mouse in the back of the cupboard."
metaphor
verbal irony
simile
Bruno was surprised to learn that
Out-With was not in Germany
Pavel was a doctor
He and Shmuel were born on the same day.
Well Organized
Efficient
Frenzy
Insolent
Conviction
therefore
climb awkwardly
guilty
Insolent
angry crowd
rude
guilty
Excited or angry crowd
Frenzy
Ergo
Efficient
Conviction
Therefore
Squelch
Appall
Ergo
Tolerant
Climb awkwardly
Insolent
Ergo
Clamber
Frenzy
Happen at the same time
Despair
Coincide
Crucial
Frenzy
Tolerant
Hopeless
Very Important
Happening at the same time
Accepting others
Appall
hopeless
Shocked
sad
fancy
Very Important
crucial
appall
frenzy
tolerant
Forlorn
hopeless
shocked
very expensive
lonely or unhappy
Despair
part of something
hopeless
rude
wild behavior
Very expensive
clamber
tolerant
extravagant
appall
Hysterical
hopeless
rude
sad or unhappy
wild behavior
Say the opposite of - Deny the truth
tolerant
despair
contradict
appall
Mercilessly
showing no kindness
rude
wild behavior
excited or angry crowd
Squelch
rude
crush or squash
climb awkwardly
guilty
Strong Belief
escapade
insolent
conviction
prospect
extreme irritation or annoyance
customary
obliged
plaque
exasperation
controlled or ruled by superior authority or power
foreseeable
insolent
conviction
dominated
the possibility or likelihood of some future event occuring
dominated
customary
prospect
exasperation
bound morally
obliged
dominated
foreseeable
conviction
boldy rude or disrespectful
dominated
insolent
plaque
escapade
able to be foreseen or predicted
foreseeable
customary
prospect
prospect
an adventurous act
dominated
exasperation
escapade
obliged
a thin, flat metal plate that is inscribed and set in a piece of furniture
plaque
customary
forseeable
prospect
usual, expected, routine
conviction
obliged
customary
plaque
What is the narrative perspective in The Boy Striped Pajamas?
Third Person limited
Third person omniscient
Third person objective
First person
Where does the story begin?
Paris, France
Munich, Germany
Berlin, Germany
New York City, United States
What does Bruno see through his new bedroom window?
The city of Berlin
A farm
A playground
A concentration camp
What is Bruno's father's job?
Greengrocer
Journalist
Teacher
Military officer
What theme does this quote from Father suggest?
"I remember when I was a child there were certain things that I didn't want to do, but when my father said that it would be better for everyone if I did them, I just put my best foot forward and got on with them."
The unbreakable bond between father and son
The importance of following directions
The danger of following orders blindly
Wisdom comes with age and experience
Bruno asks his father about the people outside their house at Auschwitz. How does his father reply?
"They are criminals that need to be punished."
"They are our enemy in this war."
"They are not really people at all, Bruno."
"Wisdom comes with age and experience."
Why does Maria defend Bruno's father during her discussion with Bruno?
Bruno's father helped Maria's mother
She just wants to argue
Maria is in love with his father
Bruno's father saved her life during WW1
Bruno refers to Gretel as ________________________.
A helpless case
A dreadful case
A hopeless case
A bully
Who is the protagonist in the story?
Mother
Father
Shmuel
Bruno
What is the plot's main conflict in Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Bruno is upset about his new bedroom.
Bruno is upset at his parents about the move to Out-With
Hitler is trying to take over the world.
Bruno and his family have to move to a concentration camp because they are Jews.
What does "Out-With" really stand for in the novel?
Auschwitz
Berlin
Out with the Jews
Germany
What was Pavel's job before Bruno met him at their house in "Out-With?"
Vegetable peeler
Professor
Doctor
Librarian
What was Gretel's first explanation for the view from Bruno's bedroom window ?
It's a summer camp
It's a battlefield
It's a prisoner of war camp
It's the countryside
Read the excerpt below and answer the following question:
"I have been very considerate of your feelings here, Bruno, because I know that this move is difficult for you. And I have listened to what you have to say, even though your youth and inexperience force you to phrase things in an insolent manner. And you’ll notice I have not reacted to any of this. But the moment has come when you simply have to accept that –”
Using your knowldge of context clues, what would be a synonym for the word insolent?
Rude
Respectful
Loud
Quiet
What does Mother say to Bruno about his Father's work?
That it's important work for the country.
That it's a boring job.
That it's scary work
That it takes a lot of time.
What is the passive aggressive term Mother uses to refer to Father when she doesn't want to name him specifically?
"he who must be obeyed"
"my dear husband"
"that man"
"some people"
"he who must not be named"
What is off limits at all times with no exceptions?
The backyard of the house
Father's Office
The road.
The basement where the servants live.
How did Bruno’s dad describe the people Bruno saw out his window?
They are not people at all.
They are the Jews.
They are the traitors of Germany.
They caused all our country's problems.
They are nothing but animals in a cage.
What was the last question Bruno asked his Father during their argument?
“Why did those soldiers come today?”
“Who are all those people outside?”
”
“When will we go back home?”
“What’s for dinner?
Do you love me?
What did the mother tell the boy about Maria?
Treat Maria respectfully
Treat Maria like their father
Treat Maria disrespectfully
Treat Maria like her sister
What do Karl’s, Daniel’s, and Martin’s fathers do for a job?
Greengrocer, Cashier, and Chef
Chef, lawn mower, and a Teacher
Greengrocer, Teacher, and a Chef
Teacher,Greengrocer, and a Farmer
What was the reason for Bruno and his family leaving their home Berlin ?
They could not afford their house they lived in.
Their dad got a new job
They felt unsafe in their house because of the war
They did not like their house
he was upset because he would have to leave his school and friends.
Why do you think the author made it so Bruno does not know what his father’s job is?
It makes the reader not like his father.
It creates interest as the reader becomes suspicious toward Bruno’s father and what he is doing.
It helps the reader better focus on Bruno and not worry about other things going on.
It makes the reader think that Bruno is very naive due to the current situation.
Why wasn’t bruno fond of the house ?
Because it was haunted
Because it was far from his old house and his friends
He just didn’t like it
It was ugly
From the clues in the text how does Gretel and Bruno feel about the landscape outside their window?
Gretel and Bruno wanted to go explore the landscape because they were curious.
They had a bad feelings about the landscape and thought it had something to do with his father’s job
Gretel and Bruno think the landscape outside there window is very dull
They thought the landscape was a stomach-turning place to live because the surroundings seemed to be very poor.
Chapter 1 - Why was Bruno confused throughout Chapter 1? Select the BEST answer.
Bruno and his family being sent away.
Bruno and his family possibly moving out.
The maid packing his luggage.
Suspicious men entering his house.
Why was Gretel in denial about what they thought the camp was?(Chp.4)
She wanted to figure out what it was by herself
Bruno doesn’t believe her and she feels like she doesn’t know what she's talking about
She doesn’t want to believe that the camp was a bad place and tried to convince herself she was right
Why does Bruno assume these other children aren’t very friendly?
) Because they weren't dancing or having fun
) Because they all looked depressed
) Because they weren’t talking
) Because they were all wearing the same boring old clothes
Why did they have to turn the lights off?
Bombing raids at night
It gets scary at night
They have night vision
What is “out-with” and what is its purpose in the book?
Outside, story takes place the entire time outside Being kicked out of the house, the story’s moral is about living alone
A camp near the new house where Bruno sees something strange occurring.
A camp, in which the story takes place in and where they torture him and his friends
sets the period of time and place of when the story takes place
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