Chapter 7: How Mother Took Credit for Something She Hadn't Done

• How is the mother's defence of Herr Roller entirely ironic?

Its ironic that Bruno's mother defends Herr Roller by saying that he was a lovely human being before he was inflicted with his current condition. It's ironic because she can defend a war veteran who suffered a lot in the war but she can't show this passion to the Jew's who are suffering even more then Herr Roller.

• What role does Kotler represent historically in the novel? (think beyond being a soldier)

Kotler represents the perfect German race. He has blue eyes and blonde hair like Hitler believes makes one perfect. He shows their lack of respect for Jews and that they blindly followed Hitler.

• What character is Kotler juxtaposed with in this chapter? What effect does it have on understanding each of these characters?

Kolter is juxtaposed with Pavel, and this highlights how the Jews were treated by the Germans - with no respect no matter their age. 

• How would you compare the interaction Bruno has with Pavel to all the other interactions Bruno has had with adults?

Pavel listens to Bruno while other adults don't. They can talk to each other while others would just stop him in the first place.

• Why is juxtaposition a key technique employed in Holocaust texts? How has it been used in The Boy in the Striped PJ's?

Because it's useful. It shows the difference between peoples lifestyles, their state of mind. Without it you would only know one side of the story. They compare Kolter to Pavel, Mother to Father, or even Bruno to Gretel. It is the most commonly used technique in the boy in striped pyjamas