Boy in the Striped PJ's Chapter 6

• On pg 60 Bruno reveals a radical shift in his perspective and understanding of Maria. What is this radical shift? What does this show is developing in Bruno? He has a realization that the maid has feelings, a past and a life outside of the maid job. This shows that she is an actual person and this kind of shows that everyone in the camp has a life as well that they were taken away from. He is suddenly thinking of her other than a maid. He almost feels empathy for her as he see's that she must miss her friends, family and her old life, he is putting himself in her shoes which is ironic as no other Nazi is doing this and feeling empathy because they hate them so much. He is developing maturity as he thought Maria is fairly good looking and is becoming a young man.

• Compare how Bruno and Gretel treat Maria. Bruno feels empathy towards Maria and is starting to treat her a lot better and more like an actual person. Whereas Gretel is really ordering Maria around and actually being extremely rude to her. She has not thought at all about Maria's feelings. Bruno actually sticks up for Maria which Maria seems to be a bit scared about. This is very different they both have very different perspectives and feelings towards Maria.
• (pg 65) What is Maria's advice to Bruno about 'keeping safe'? Why do you think that she gives this advice? Do you think that it is good or bad advice? Her advice is for him to keep quiet and because it is a faschist coutnry he must keep quiet about himself. She is kind of telling him to be slefish and only think of himself and not think  about the people who are getting harmed. She is also trying to save the last drop of innocence he still has left. Because he has to grow up a child and not worry about the war otherwise he will grow up a soldier and not grow up properly.
• (65-6) What is Bruno's reaction to his new thoughts/feelings? Why do you think that he reacts this way? It says, 'all of a sudden Bruno had a sudden urge to cry.' This shows that Bruno is very freaked out with his new feeling for Maria. He might not want the new emotions and he might just feel extremely sorry for her. He sticks up for Maria after Gretel orders her around and is fairly nasty and rude to her, but Bruno see's life through Maria'a eyes and sticks up for her. After he catches Maria with tears in his eyes he seems to get angry as he does not like emotions being shunned. He then starts to be fairly rude to Maria saying, "I'm going outside, not like it's any of your business." He did obviously not like it when Maria told him to not stick up for her and get worked up in the war.