Chapter 3: The Hopeless Case

     1.  Describe how Bruno and Gretel's relationship is introduced in the chapter.


Bruno and Gretel don't really like each other much. Bruno thinks playing with dolls is girlie and Gretel loves it. But they can agree on their dislike of the new house. There is a quote "Gretel was three years older than Bruno and she had made it clear to him from as far back as he could remember that when it came to the ways of the world, particularly any events within that world that concerned the two of them, she was in charge" that showed that Gretel was the alpha of the two children and didn't think much for Bruno


     2.  List quotes that show how the new house is described.


"I hate it here", "it's not very nice is it" and "it was very hollow" where some quotes describing the house


     3.  It was very hollow and he decided that he better not go jumping around this house too often or it might collapse around their ears. What is the significance of this quote?


It shows that the house was old and fragile. It's hasn't been built well and the floorboards creak which is what makes him believe that the house could fall apart at any second.


     4.  What is Bruno's reaction to the new house?


Bruno has a bad reaction to his new home. He absolutely hates it. Some reasons are it's smaller, more isolated and he is no longer with his friends.


     5.  How does it compare to their old house?


The house is still extremely good compared to many that of many people. This house is 2 stories smaller than his old house. It doesn't have as much class as the old house did but I reckon if he wasn't so spoilt he would actually love the house.


     6.  How does Gretel relate to her father?


She admires her father. She believes he isn't doing anything wrong, but in fact through his job is doing good.


     7.  Does Bruno understand where they are? What makes you believe this?


Bruno doesn't really understand where they are. He does realises it's bad but he does not realise that the reason behind this is thousands of people dying next door. He doesn't maintain the true horror of where they are.


     8.  Does Gretel understand where they are? Explain.


Gretel understands more than Bruno as she understands that the name 'out-with' symbolises that the are kicking people out of the country but she doesn't realise that it's wrong.


     9.  How is Bruno's description of 'Out-with' represent a motif? What is darkly ironic about this?


It's actually Auschwitz. Them misinterpreting is closer to what the Germans are doing to the Jews in the concentration camp next to their house.


     10. Read pgs 27-29. How are Bruno's and Gretel's reaction to 'the children' Bruno sees through the window different? What does this tell us about these two characters and their perception/understanding of where they are?


They are both shocked. Bruno is joyous and curious that there are children around and Gretel is fearful because the camp is close. You know Gretel is fearful because she prays.