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Essay / Contrasting Commonalities: Bruno and Shmuel's Similar Characteristics
IntroductionJohn Boyne's novel, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," is a poignant tale that explores the unlikely friendship between two eight-year-old boys, Bruno and Shmuel . , in the heartbreaking context of the Second World War. While Bruno is the son of a high-ranking Nazi officer, Shmuel is a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp. Despite their contrasting circumstances, the two characters have remarkable similarities that transcend their very different environments. This essay aims to analyze the common characteristics of Bruno and Shmuel, highlighting how their innocence, curiosity and sense of isolation unite them in a bond that defies the barriers created by prejudice and hatred. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body Paragraph One of the most striking similarities between Bruno and Shmuel is their innocence. Both boys are unaware of the true nature of their environment and the dark reality of the Holocaust. Bruno's lack of understanding of his father's role and the purpose of the camp is evident when he mistakenly calls it "Outside" instead of Auschwitz. Likewise, Shmuel, despite living in the camp, does not fully understand the scale of the atrocities committed. Their innocence allows them to form a true friendship, preserved from the prejudices and hatred that permeate their world. This childlike innocence speaks to the purity of their bond and contrasts sharply with the cruelty and inhumanity of the adults around them. Another thing Bruno and Shmuel have in common is their shared curiosity. Both boys demonstrate a natural curiosity that pushes them to explore their respective worlds. Bruno's curiosity leads him to defy his parents' orders and venture to the camp fence, where he meets Shmuel. Likewise, Shmuel's curiosity about Bruno's life outside the camp and the world beyond the fence sparks their conversations and deepens their friendship. This mutual curiosity not only brings them together, but also highlights their desire to understand and make sense of the world around them, despite the overwhelming confusion and fear. The sense of isolation felt by both boys is another significant similarity. Bruno feels isolated after being uprooted from his home in Berlin and moved to a desolate house near the concentration camp. He longs for his old friends and the familiar comforts of his previous life. Shmuel, on the other hand, experiences deeper isolation within the camp, separated from his family and subjected to dehumanizing prison conditions. This shared sense of loneliness and desire for companionship brings the boys together, providing them with a sense of comfort and connection in an otherwise bleak environment. Additionally, both Bruno and Shmuel demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength of character. Despite the difficulties they face, both boys retain a sense of hope and determination. Bruno's unwavering determination to explore and understand his new surroundings, coupled with Shmuel's quiet strength to endure the hardships of the camp, illustrate their resilience. Their friendship becomes a source of strength for both of them, allowing them to find moments of happiness and normalcy in an otherwise oppressive and terrifying situation. ConclusionKeep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a custom essayIn In conclusion, even though Bruno and Shmuel come from very different backgrounds and circumstances, their similarities are deep and significant. Their innocence, their.