the boy in the striped pajamas theme

Innocence

Innocence is an important theme throughout the novel. Although Bruno and Shmuel share a certain childlike innocence, the reality is that Shmuel is a prisoner in Auschwitz and has certainly seen horrific sights. Bruno, on the other hand, is fiercely protected by his parents who do not want him to know about the horrors of the reality that is the Holocaust; in particular, they go to great lengths to keep the details of Bruno's father's job a secret from him. The juxtaposition of such innocence with the inherent evil of the Holocaust sets a poignant tone. This theme reinforces the idea that hatred and prejudice are learned behaviors.

Friendship

Another significant theme in the novel is friendship. The desire for friendship is universal and at no time is it more important than during childhood. Bruno and Shmuel exist in two completely different worlds but share a mutual desire for companionship during a difficult and lonely time. In spite of their remarkably different circumstances, Bruno and Shmuel forge a meaningful friendship. As their friendship develops, it is tested on many occasions as the boys navigate their individual realities. When Shmuel is brought to Bruno's house to work as a servant, Bruno denies knowing him and giving him food; consequently, Shmuel is punished for stealing food (which Bruno had given him). Both boys know that they would be in terrible trouble if anyone were to find out about their friendship so they keep it a secret. Ultimately, the boys unknowingly march to their death hand in hand with no one in the world but each other.

Human Nature

The theme of human nature also proves to be central to the story. Readers will question how Bruno's father and sister, along with so many other Germans, can be such staunch believers in the Nazi propaganda while Bruno remains compassionate and even, some might argue, resistant to the same ideas. Bruno and Shmuel represent all that is kind and decent in humans as well as the potential that they have to do good. Conversely, Bruno's father and Lieutenant Kotler reveal man's capacity for evil. The novel points out the choice humans must make regarding how they treat others. On a similar note, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas also considers the dangers of conformity and people's reluctance to take a stand in the face of adversity.

Schools Need Dress Codes

Dress codes in public schooling have recently been a controversial issue nation-wide.

Mandatory uniform policy's measures and emphasize the benefits of students on specific behavioral and academic outcomes. The arguments for the issue are just as strong as those against the issue. There are two main points surrounding school uniforms: performance and school and reduction of violence due to uniformity.

Uniforms are argued to positively affect student safety by: lowering student victimization, decreasing gang activity and fights and differentiating strangers from students in school building. Dress codes in public schools would be good, in order to cut down the violence, which would eliminate the problems of wearing hats or jackets that could carry weapons to school.

Every school should adopt some kind of dress code so it will cut down some of the everyday problems that schools deal with today. Problems such as violence and substance abuse are on the rise in schools.

Dress codes would decrease the amount of violence and substance abuse in schools.

David Brunsma, from the Department of Sociology, Morton Hall of Alabama, and author of the article School Uniforms, performed a study at a local junior high school and noticed uniforms did actually decrease violence more than those schools who had no dress codes at all (2-3).

If a simple shirt and tie with dress pants were worn by boys and some type of skirt or dress for girls, baggy clothing would be eliminated which could conceal weapons such as guns or knives. Obviously, some type of dress code would stop this.

According to Loren Siegel, Director of Public Education for the American Civil Liberties Union author of Point of View: School Uniforms, in 1996, President Bill Clinton encouraged the use of school uniforms as part of an education...

I am, I can, I will

"I AM- two small words, and yet

It’s a powerful place in which to be.

It's my life and I'm living it,

I am everything you see.

 

I am responsible for my actions,

And all the things I say and do.

I am responsible for my behavior,

And how I interact with you.

 

I am responsible for the level of my work,

And the choices that I make.

I am responsible for the values I profess,

And for the ways I communicate.

 

I CAN- two small words, and yet,

It's a powerful place in which to be.

It's my life and I am living it,

Traveling the land, sky, and sea.

 

I can earn the respect of others,

And gain their friendship true.

I can honor all things living, and

Take care of my mind, health, and body too.

 

I can do my best each day,

And I can know my best is great.

I can continue to progress

And move closer to my fate.

 

I WILL- two small words and yet,

It's a powerful place in which to be.

It's my life and I am living it,

I'll be everything just wait and see.

 

I will use my talents wisely,

Learn to manage the moods of life.

I will respect my ups and downs,

Ask for help in overcoming strife.

 

I will is a promise to see clearly,

It reveals my strength to win.

As I arrive at mutual resolutions,

And look for my answers from within.

 

I'm young, still learning, growing, changing,

Yet I have ideals, noble goals and plans.

For things like a healthy environment,

World peace and a crime-free land.

 

No longer a child, yet not an adult,

I am a teenager still.

But don't underestimate my value,

Because I am, I can, and I will."