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Analysis Of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas

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“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.” - John Betjeman, English poet. Childhood of illusions that the child creates, until they embrace logic. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas focuses on the son of a German soldier, Bruno, during the second World War. Bruno is oblivious to the war and the persecution of the Jews until his father receives a promotion. The family moves to a compound near a concentration camp where Bruno befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel. Bruno’s naive beliefs about his country lead to his demise in the camp’s gas chamber when he attempts to help his friend. This movie’s theme of naivety is supported through the sound, symbols, characterization, and camera angles. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas often uses sound to contribute to the theme. During the first scene, Bruno and his friends are shown playing while they run through the marketplace. This visual is accompanied by upbeat music that provides a sense of joy and freedom. This combination shows Bruno’s innocence before he encounters the malignance of the world. Later on, music is again used to highlight Bruno’s innocence. As Bruno runs through the woods exploring, feelings of adventure and discovery are broadcasted by the background music. Naivety is exemplified by his enjoyment of the adventure that the sound implies. As Bruno and Shuel run through the ghetto, adventurous music is laid over tones of apprehension and sorrow. But his innocence remains sound, even when the circumstance become severe. Despite the dour situation when he enters the camp, Bruno laughs. Thunder from the storm rumbles louder as Bruno ventures further into the camp, and despondent music plays as Bruno reconsiders his decision to help Shmuel. However, Bruno is not deterred and continues his mission. Bruno’s demeanor and commitment while the storm grows closer communicates the innocence that he holds on to, despite the odds. This sentiment is generated from the gradual decline of joviality in the background music while Bruno and Shmuel search the ghetto. Symbols also support the continued theme of naivety. The “pajamas” that the inmates of the camp wear symbolize Bruno’s innocent view of the world.

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