The Boy in the Striped PJ's - Chapter 2

• Using quotes, how is the new house described?

Bruno describes the new house as boring, nasty and the complete opposite of his old house. "He put his face to the glass and saw what was out there, and this time when his eyes opened wide and his mouth made the shape of an O, his hands stayed by his sides becuase something made him feel very cold and unsafe"

• How does it compare to the house in Berlin? How is this an example of juxtaposition?

The comparison of Both Buno's houses is an example of a juxtaposition becuase Bruno's whenever he describes the features of his house he always contrasts it to his old house. Similarly in this chapter the old house and the new house become a symbol of two very different lives. Bruno describes his new house as the exact opposite being cold, isolated, boring and by comparing it so drastically to his old house the reader gets a sense that there is something drastically wrong with the house.

• How is Bruno's reaction and discussion of the new house taken by the other characters? What is ironic about the way people treat Bruno's comments regarding the new house?

The irony of Bruno's reactions and discussions is that he is very emotional about all the changes that are taking place and when he tells any of the adults they are very angry about his opinion and they ignore him but the Irony is that they all feel the same way about the house but Bruno is the only character expressing his feeling this is typical for a boy his age. This idea also relates to the situation at that time in Germany where freedom of speech wasn't really taken in account and people always had to follow the leaders of people in charges instructions.

• Do you feel empathetic towards Bruno's new home? Why/why not?

Yes I feel empathetic becuase I feel that the matter of moving houses for an adult of an adolescence person is a small matter but to Bruno who is at a very young age it is a very big deal and the fact that as soon as Bruno sees the house all of these strong emotions starting pouring out the reader starts to understand that there is something very wrong about what is taking place.