1. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Vocab. and Questions
Plus
Chapter Assignments

2. Ch. 1 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
muster (pg. 1)
chaos (pg. 2)
dismissively (pg. 8)
presumed (pg. 10)

3. Ch. 1 Questions
The setting of a story includes not only where but when the story takes place. What is the setting of Chapter One?
Who is Gretel, and why do you think Bruno refers to her as a “Hopeless Case”?
Why does the family have to move?
What or who will Bruno miss the most when he moves away?
In Bruno's home, what is "Out of Bounds At All Times And No Exceptions"?

4. Ch. 2 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
desolate (pg. 11)
foreseeable (pg.15)
content (pg. 15)

5. Ch. 2 Questions What does Bruno think of his new home?
What does Bruno remember about his life in Berlin?
List three things that show Bruno’s family is wealthy.
Describe Bruno’s father. What do you think of him thus far in the novel?
Chapter 2 ends with a “cliff-hanger.” What is a “cliff-hanger,” and why would an author use this device?

6. Ch. 3 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
exasperation (pg. 25)
indicate (pg. 28)

7. Why is Bruno a “little scare” of Gretel?
Ch. 3 Questions
Why is Bruno a “little scare” of Gretel?
What makes Gretel a challenge for her family?
Why do the soldiers look “nervously up at the house”?

8. Ch. 1-3 Assignment
Answer: Who are three of the main characters in the novel so far?
Option 1 - Draw a picture of each character as you visualize them based on information in the novel. Label anything that may be in need of a label. Write 2-4 sentences about what you are trying to show in your visual (based on the book). OR
Option 2 – Draw a symbol to represent each character based on what you know about each so far. Underneath each symbol, write 2-4 sentences explaining why you chose the symbol you did.

9. Ch. 4 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
plaque (pg. 31)
conviction (pg. 34)
countered (pg. 34)

10. Ch. 4 Questions
Why does the narrator say that “growing flowers in a place like this was something good that they could do”? How does the author use figurative language after this statement (pg. 31)?
Why can’t Gretel can’t think of words to describe what she saw outside of the window?
When does Gretel not insist on being in the right all of the time?
How does Gretel justify what she observes with the group of children and the soldiers?
What is the final thought Bruno realizes about the people he sees? How does he perceive this?

11. Ch. 5 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
lacquer (pg. 42)
customary (pg. 45)
splendor (pg. 46)
clamber (pg. 46)
insolent (pg. 51)

12. Ch. 5 Questions
Bruno’s father is referred to as “Commandant.” What does this mean? What are his responsibilities?
What is Father’s response when Bruno asks him about who the people are he sees outside of the window?

13. Ch. 6 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
discard (pg. 57)
deliberate (pg. 58)
despite (pg. 59)
peckish (pg. 60)
obliged (pg. 61)
incredulous (pg. 64)

14. Ch. 6 Questions
Why does Bruno have such a long conversation with Maria in this chapter, when he had never done so before?
Why do you think Maria is so thoughtful and careful with her answers to Bruno?

15. Ch. 7 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
prospect (pg. 67)
escapade (pg. 68)
diversion (pg. 69)

16. Ch. 7 Questions
Bruno’s mother doesn’t think they should talk about the war. Do you agree? Why or why not?
What makes Franz act so strangely?
Use four adjectives to describe Lieutenant Kotler.
Describe Bruno’s accident.
What astonishing piece of information does Pavel reveal about himself? How might this change in circumstances for Pavel have occurred?

17. Ch. 8 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
dominate (pg. 87)
coincide (pg. 87)
summon (pg. 89)

18. Ch. 8 Questions
What literary device is used in Ch. 8 to provide information about characters and plot?
Who did Bruno miss the most? Why?
Why is Grandmother not happy about her son’s title of Commandant?
Why did the author include this chapter (as it seems to interrupt the plot)? What effect or influence does it have on the reader and the plot?

19. Ch. 9 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
rummaged (pg. 99)
stern (pg. 100)
circumstances (pg. 101)
squinted (pg. 102)

20. Ch. 9 Questions
What does Herr Liszt plan to focus on in Bruno’s studies? Why?
What is the one thing Bruno can do on his own?
What does he wonder about regarding the people on the other side of the fence?
What did he want to investigate before heading towards the fence? Why? What does he discover?
Why do you think Mother and Father banned his walking anywhere near the fence or the camp?

21. Ch. 10 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
despair (pg. 104)
forlorn (pg. 106)
resolution (pg. 113)

22. Ch. 10 Questions Describe how Bruno discovered Shmuel.
Compare and contrast Bruno and Shmuel.

23. Ch. 10 Assignment
Predict what will happen in the 2nd half of the novel.
Explain your prediction using valid reasons that are backed up with evidence and examples from the story.

24. Ch. 11 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
enunciate (pg. 119)
disdain (pg. 122)
snippets (pg. 124)

25. Ch. 11 Questions
According to Gretel, what was the main duty of the Fury?
What does Bruno think of the two people who came for dinner?
What do you think the Fury talked about with Father?

26. Ch. 12 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
contradict (pg. 128)

27. Ch. 12 Questions What was Shmuel’s father? How do we know?
Why does Bruno decide not to tell his family about Shmuel? Is this smart? Why?

28. Ch. 13 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
catastrophe (pg. 142)
torrent (pg. 142)
incumbent (pg. 146)

29. Ch. 13 Questions
How does Maria react when Bruno asks why Pavel lied about being a doctor?
What “conflict” occurs between Bruno and Shmuel?
How is Shmuel’s appearance changing?
What is Bruno’s father’s response to Bruno calling the study of history boring?
What similarity does a member of Bruno’s family and a member of Lieutenant Kotler’s family have?

30. Ch. 14 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
dilemma (pg. 154)
crucial (pg. 155)
existence (pg. 157)
sophistication (pg. 158)

31. Ch. 14 Questions What is Bruno’s lie to Gretel?
Do you agree with Bruno’s decision to lie? Why or why not?

32. Ch. 15 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
grimace (pg. 174)

33. Ch. 15 Questions How does Bruno feel about Lieutenant Kotler? Why?
Who brought Shmuel to Bruno’s house and why?
How does Bruno betray Shmuel? Why does he do this?
Predict what you think happened to Shmuel. Explain with evidence from the text.
What significant action takes place at the end of this chapter? What does this symbolize?

34. Ch. 16 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
departure (pg. 178)
inconsolable (pg. 178)
consult (pg. 180)
misshapen (pg. 184)
dwindle (pg. 185)

35. Ch. 16 Questions Why does Bruno’s family have to return to Berlin?
How did Bruno feel about returning to Out-With? Explain with evidence from the text.
Predict what you think would happen if Bruno told his father about making friends with Shmuel.
According to Gretel, why is the fence there, and who is on either side of it?
What does Mother find in the children’s hair? What does Mother say caused this?

36. Ch. 17 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
senile (pg. 187)
explicit (pg. 190)
reluctant (pg. 190)

37. Ch. 17 Questions
Why does Mother become increasingly unhappy with Out-With?
How does Bruno react to Father in his conversation with him about returning to Berlin?
Why does Father agree with Mother’s desire for them to return to Berlin?

38. Ch. 18 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
smuggled (pg. 193)
doubtfully (pg. 197)
sensible (pg. 199)

39. Ch. 18 Questions
Describe Shmuel’s reaction when he learns that Bruno will soon be returning to Berlin.
What do the boys plan to do on Bruno’s last visit?

40. Ch. 19 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
implanted (pg. 201)
unaccustomed (pg. 206)

41. Ch. 19 Questions
What is difficult for Bruno when he changes into the striped pajamas?
Who do Shmuel and Bruno try to find together?
What two types of people does Bruno find on the other side of the fence? Describe each.
Describe Bruno’s reaction when he learns what life in the camp is actually like.
Why doesn’t Bruno go home when he first discovers what is on the other side of the fence?
What happens to Bruno and Shmuel at the end of the chapter?

42. Ch. 20 Vocab.
On your novel vocab sheet, write down the followings words and the definitions using context clues in the text. Do this as we read…
mercilessly (pg. 215)

43. Ch. 20 Questions What happens with Mother after Bruno’s disappearance?
What happens with Gretel after Bruno’s disappearance?
What happens with Father after Bruno’s disappearance?
Describe the conflict of this novel –
External (man vs man, man vs nature, or man vs society) or…
Internal (man vs self)
What is the climax of this novel?
Is Bruno a flat or round character? Is he static or dynamic? Explain each.

44. Final Vocabulary Assignment
Choose 8 vocabulary words from your novel list. Words can come from any chapter – Ch
Write a complete sentence for each vocabulary word you choose. *Please underline the vocabulary words as you use them.
You must create your own sentence – do not use the one in the book.
You must use the word in the correct context (the context we discussed in class).
You must use the word in the correct part of speech.
Your sentence must have correct capitalization and punctuation.