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The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Fear

Decent Essays

How does the author, John Boyne, of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas explore the notion of ‘fear’ in the novel? Refer to social context
John Boyne’s historical fable, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, is an optimistic narration of World War Two set in the “Out-With” concentration camp. In the background of the war, the story details the life of male protagonist Bruno, who befriends the unlikeliest of strangers in his attempt to adjust to life at Out-With. In Boyne’s portrayal of this dictatorship, the characters' go through life controlled by the notion of fear, only escaping its grasp through the most dramatic of circumstances. The didactic text paints a picture of how “we don’t have a choice” when we are being controlled by our fear (p.8). Thus, …show more content…

Boyne introduces this concept along with the first complication in chapter one. After Bruno discovers that he will be moving away from the comfort of his home in Berlin, “his eyes opened wide and his mouth made the shape of an O" (p11). Boyne deliberately repeats this description when Bruno later arrives at Out-With to familiarise the audience with the emotions which Bruno feels towards the house. To further instil this fear of the unknown in the audience, Boyne applies the descriptive language “cold and unsafe” (p.20). The two words with their negative connotation suggest to the reader the depth of Bruno’s fear, creating a subtle link for the reader that what lies beyond Bruno’s window relates to the horrors of the war. This is a familiar feeling for many people. As a student, my consuming experience was felt when waiting for an assignment grade. Society avoids the unknown because it is unreliable, unpredictable and therefore not considered to be safe. Bruno's instincts give him a bad feeling towards the house. The fear haunted his thoughts, forcing him to discover the truth behind the new house and put his fears at rest. This reaction is reflected in contemporary society through our infatuation with space and what lies beyond our solar system, fearing what we do not know and cannot see. Thus, from Bruno's thoughts and actions it can be seen …show more content…

During chapter two, Boyne characterises Bruno's fear through the use of dialogue where Bruno "froze, unable to move for a moment" (p.17). By implementing this somewhat clichéd metaphor, Boyne paints a vivid picture of the fear Bruno feels after betraying social etiquette. Bruno knows what he did was wrong, and later awaits to be called into Father's office to be punished. Boyne introduces the setting of Father's office as being "Out of Bounds At All Times And No Exceptions" (p.44). From Boyne's introduction of the office with capitalisation, Boyne emphasises to the audience that Bruno views the office as 'Out of Bounds', suggesting deep-set fear towards Father as Bruno has a negative connotation towards Father's office. This relationship built on the basis of fear is similar in substance to the relationship between Father and the Fury. Boyne briefly explores this relationship during a literary flashback. The dialogue where Father states how he has "no choice" demonstrates to the reader how, like Bruno, Father was afraid of the repercussions which would occur by going against the 'rules' set in place by the Fury. This is the basis of the tactic used by hijackers asking for ransom money, they instil fear in their victims to ensure that they will obey as Father obeys the Fury by moving to Out-With. Consequently, from his character development, Boyne

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