The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 20 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, Bruno comes home and finds Maria packing his things. How does Bruno react to the news that his family is moving, and what does this show about how he feels about his home in Berlin?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, Bruno sees the new house at Out-With for the first time. What details about the house and area make him feel unhappy or lonely?

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, Bruno talks with Gretel about their new home. How are Bruno and Gretel different in the way they think and act in this chapter?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, Bruno and Gretel look out the window and see the fenced area. What do they notice, and what questions does this scene make them wonder about?

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, Bruno speaks with Father about leaving Berlin. What does Bruno learn about Father's work and opinions, and how does the conversation make Bruno feel?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, Maria tells Bruno more about her life and about Father. How does Maria's story help Bruno see his family in a more complicated way?

   Example answer: I think Maria's story makes Bruno realize that adults are not always simple to understand. She explains that Father helped her when she needed it, so Bruno sees that Father has done kind things before. At the same time, Maria is still afraid to speak freely in the house. This makes Bruno's family seem more complicated because kindness and fear both exist there.

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, Bruno builds a swing and Pavel helps him after he falls. What do Pavel's kindness and Mother's reaction show about fear and power at Out-With?

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, Bruno remembers Grandmother's feelings about Father's uniform and new job. Why is Grandmother upset, and what lesson might the author want readers to think about?

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, Bruno starts lessons with Herr Liszt and thinks about exploring. How is Bruno's curiosity encouraged or limited by the adults around him?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, Bruno meets Shmuel at the fence. What similarities and differences do the two boys notice, and why are these details important?

    Example answer: Bruno and Shmuel notice that they are the same age and even have the same birthday, which makes them seem connected. But their lives are very different because Bruno lives in a house with food and freedom, while Shmuel is behind the fence wearing striped clothes. These details are important because they show that the boys could have been friends in a normal world. The fence and the rules keep them apart.

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, the story goes back to the night the Fury visited Bruno's home in Berlin. How do the adults act around the Fury, and what can you infer about his power?

12. Chapter 12

    In Chapter 12, Shmuel tells Bruno about his life before Out-With. What parts of Shmuel's story help Bruno begin to understand that Shmuel's experiences have been very different from his own?

13. Chapter 13

    In Chapter 13, Pavel serves dinner and Lieutenant Kotler behaves cruelly. How does this chapter change the mood of the story, and what does Bruno learn about danger at Out-With?

14. Chapter 14

    In Chapter 14, Bruno talks to Gretel but does not tell the full truth about Shmuel. Why might Bruno hide his friendship, and what does this show about what he understands so far?

15. Chapter 15

    In Chapter 15, Bruno finds Shmuel inside the house and then denies knowing him. What choice does Bruno make, why does he make it, and how might it affect his friendship with Shmuel?

16. Chapter 16

    In Chapter 16, Bruno returns from Berlin and later has his head shaved because of lice. How do the changes in Bruno's life and appearance affect the way he thinks about Shmuel?

17. Chapter 17

    In Chapter 17, Mother convinces Father that she and the children should leave Out-With. How do different family members respond to this decision, and what feelings does Bruno have?

18. Chapter 18

    In Chapter 18, Shmuel says his father is missing, and the boys plan a final adventure. What are Bruno's and Shmuel's reasons for the plan, and what risks can the reader see?

    Example answer: Shmuel wants to find his father because he is worried and loves him. Bruno wants to help his friend, and he also wants an adventure before he has to leave. As a reader, I can see that the plan is very risky because Bruno does not really understand how dangerous Shmuel's side of the fence is. This makes the chapter feel tense even though the boys think they are helping.

19. Chapter 19

    In Chapter 19, Bruno crosses under the fence and sees Shmuel's side for himself. How does the author create a feeling of fear and confusion, and what does Bruno begin to realize?

20. Chapter 20

    In Chapter 20, the family learns what happened to Bruno. How do Father's actions show that he understands the truth too late, and what message does the ending give about prejudice and obedience?