Chapter 15 Something He Shouldn't Have Done

1) (163) Why doesn't Bruno like Kotler? What does he observe and not understand about Kotler when his father is away?
Bruno hates him because he always calls Bruno little man which Bruno thinks is demeaning whereas he respects all of Bruno's family but not Bruno. He tries to became the man of the house and is always helping Bruno's mother when his father is gone.

2) (163) What is meant when Kotler uses the cliche 'Don't worry, this one knows which side his bread is buttered on.'?
This means he knows what the person is talking about and they know what needs to be done.

3) (165) How would you describe the interaction between Kotler and Bruno?
There is tension between them and they can both feel it. Kotler makes fun of Bruno who is young and innocent and doesn't know why they do this. They try and get along but Kotler still feels he has more power of him.

4) (166) What surprise does Bruno get?
Bruno is very surprised to see Shmuel in the kitchen cleaning glasses for the party.

5) (167) How is juxtaposition used when Bruno compares his hand to Shmuel's?
Bruno is clean, has nice clothes, lives in a nice house and is healthy whereas Shmuel is dirty, hungry and is sad and depressed.

6) (168-9) Does Bruno understand the pressure that Shmuel is under?
No because he is too young to understand and realise what is happening to him. He also doesn't listen to Shmuel and what he has to say reflecting further ignorance.

7) (171-2) What dramatic situation unfolds and what is Bruno's reaction?
Bruno gives Shmuel something to eat because Shmuel said he was hungry. Kotler walks in and sees Shmuel eating and asks Bruno if he knew Shmuel and if Shmuel had stolen the food. Bruno said he didn't know him and that he didn't give him the food. Next time when Bruno goes to the fence Shmuel doesn't turn up and they don't see each other for a while.

8) (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 really bad about what he did and fears he has lost Shmuel as a friend. Fear is portrayed as this is what Bruno felt when Kotler was yelling at him. Fear destroys their friendship for a while but luckily they became friends again and talk after a while.

9) (175) What does Bruno say that prompts Shmuel to offer his hand in friendship? How is this symbolic?
Bruno says sorry and that he doesn't know why he said that to Kotler. He says he would never to that to a friend which shows they are now friends again. This is symbolic as it represents two different religions fighting but then coming together and again and being friends. Bruno and Shmuel represent the race of Jews and Nazi's and what they should do which is ironic as they are two little boys coming together and being friends.