The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Explain the theme of friendship in the novel
When Bruno meets his friend Shmuel for the first time and their adventure together.
When Bruno meets his friend Shmuel for the first time and their adventure together.
Bruno and Shmuel's friendship is a major theme in the book, as it symbolizes the similarities between two human beings. They form a friendship that transcends racism, tribalism, politics, and hate. It opposes the belief that Jews "aren't people at all" and makes Hitler's "final solution" look like a pathetic proclamation of evil and insecurity.