ACTS OF HUMANITY

Speaking

The author of the book and the creators of the movie crafted the story as a fable. A fable is a story with a moral, one that teaches a lesson about humanity. The section explores the depths of humanity that are possible in the most trying of circumstances.

What are the lessons to be learned from this fable, and the moral of this story?

Contrast Pavel’s treatment of Bruno when the boy fell from the tyre swing with the way Pavel is treated by Bruno’s family.

Mother saying “thank you” to Pavel for treating Bruno is an important turning point for her. What has changed for the mother at this point?

At times, Father is shown as a loving parent and husband. How is that possible given his role as a Nazi officer giving orders to treat people inhumanely?

Bruno tried to help Shmuel find his father despite being frightened and wanting to go home. Why?

What does Bruno say and do to show his growing understanding of the inhumanity going on around him, including to his friend Shmuel?

Writing

Using Bruno and Shmuel’s story as inspiration, give your opinion in http://aboutabookreaders.blogspot.com/ about this topic: acts of humanity. Use these questions to help you to write your essay.

Bruno secretly took food from his house to give to Shmuel because it was one concrete way he could help his friend. Have you ever done something to help people who didn’t have enough food? What can people do today to help people who are starving around the world?