The Boy In The Striped Pajamas Chapter 15 Analysis

In chapter 15 of the novel “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", an event of Shmuel accused for stealing food that Bruno offered him puts their friendship into test as the boys began to navigate their individual realities under such circumstances. Bruno’s feelings towards his own actions (afterward) and other’s opinions on Bruno’s action (outsider's point of view from both side of the argument) will be discussed.

The occurrence of this event begins as Bruno discovered his friend, Shmuel in his kitchen, polishing glasses with his small fingers in preparation for Bruno’s father’s birthday. Out of kindness, Bruno then offered his friend - Shmuel cold chicken and stuffings. Shmuel was afraid that he’ll get in trouble, but in the end, he decided to eat them because he was very hungry. When Lieutenant Kotler returned, he accused him of stealing food. Shmuel attempts to defend himself by telling the truth. However, Bruno lied and distanced himself from Shmuel as if they were strangers because he was afraid of the consequences associating with him. Afterward, Bruno felt guilty, ashamed, cruel, selfish and sorry about his
Even further beyond any other emotional pain one can feel. It is the betrayal of a friend.” In the novel, when Bruno asked about the bruises on his face after the incident, Shmuel replied “ I don’t feel it anymore, I don’t feel anything anymore.” This piece of evidence implies the negative physical and emotional impact on Shmuel after the occurrence of the incident. Bruno’s actions might cause Shmuel to experience trust issue based on this childhood incident of being abused, punished for a crime he did not commit leading him to feel helpless, weak, alone, in addition, he might find difficulty in establishing trust as an