The Main Themes of the Novel Include (But Are Certainly Not Limited To)

The main themes of the novel include (but are certainly not limited to):

1. The innocence of childhood. Bruno and Shmuel share a great deal in common but perhaps what is most striking is the childhood innocence which characterizes both boys. Bruno is unaware that his father is a Nazi commandant and that his home is on ther periphery of Auschwitz. Shmuel, imprisoned in the camp, seems not to understand the severity of his situation. When his father goes missing, Shmuel does not understand that he has gone to the gas chamber.

2. Boundaries. The story also explores the boundaries -- both literal and figurative -- that we live with. Shmuel and Bruno are separated by a fence and lament that they can never play or explore together. They are also separated by the strict rules inherent in Nazi Germany which forbid Germans to be friends with Jews, Poles, and the other groups persecuted by Hitler.

The Main Characters Are

•Bruno, the curious nine-year-old boy

•Elsa, Bruno's kind Mother)

•Ralph, Bruno's cruel Father)

•Shmuel , the shy Jewish boy

•Gretel, Bruno's mean Sister