Chapter 15: Something He Shouldn't Have Done

(163) Why doesn't Bruno like Kotler? What does he observe and not understand about Kotler when his father is away?
Because he doesn't smile and he teases him. Bruno observes that when his father is away Kotler acts like the man of the house and he can't understand why Kotler does this.
(163) What is meant when Kotler uses the cliche 'Don't worry, this one knows which side his bread is buttered on.'?
It means that he knows what the right thing to do is.
(165) How would you describe the interaction between Kotler and Bruno?
An unkind interaction. Bruno tries to show dislike to Kotler while Kotler makes jokes above Bruno's intelligence and this makes him even more annoyed as he knows that he is being insulted but he doesn't know how.
(166) What surprise does Bruno get?
Shmuel is in the kitchen cleaning glasses for the party
(167) How is juxtaposition used when Bruno compares his hand to Shmuel's?
Bruno's hands are healthy, clean and strong while Shmuels are weak, dirty and thin
(168-9) Does Bruno understand the pressure that Shmuel is under?
No. He doesn't know as he tries to give Shmuel food, but Shmuel doesn't want to take it because he knows that he will get in trouble if he does.
(171-2) What dramatic situation unfolds and what is Bruno's reaction?
Shmuel eats the chicken, Kotler sees and gets angry about this. Bruno lies because he doesn't want to get in trouble.
(173-4) What does Bruno think of himself because of the way he reacts? How is the major theme 'fear' portrayed in this scene? What does it do to Bruno and Shmuel?
Bruno feels bad as he lied and got his friend in trouble. It portrays fear because as soon as he thinks he may get in trouble he denies his friendship.
(175) What does Bruno say that prompts Shmuel to offer his hand in friendship? How is this symbolic?
He says that he was sorry for what he did and he did it because he was scared, not because he didn't want to be Shmuel's friend. It's symbolic of the Germans as some of them think it's bad but they are too scared to do anything about it.