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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Differences Between Novel and Film

Decent Essays

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
[Film directed by Mark Herman]
Discuss the changes that take place between the novel and the film, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and the impact they have on you.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a novel by John Boyne that has recently been turned into a film. It tells the story of a young German boy (Bruno), and a Jewish boy (Shmuel)’s “forbidden” friendship. Bruno, located on the opposite side of a huge barbed-wire fence that guards the concentration camp where Shmuel is confined, has never had a friend he can’t play with. Throughout the novel, their friendship grows and both boys learn very important lessons. When the novel was made into a film, a few things were changed, some were …show more content…

Bruno sees him there and offers him some food. In the book, Shmuel is very reluctant to take the food from Bruno, whereas in the film Shmuel takes the food as soon as he is offered it. In the novel, when Bruno offers Shmuel some chicken, Shmuel says, “I can’t, he’ll [Lieutenant Kotler] come back, I know he will.” The change in the film can be connected to the change in Shmuel’s appearance. Because Shmuel isn’t very skinny in the film, something else needs to show evidence that he is very hungry and desperate for food. This is perfectly shown in the kitchen scene when Shmuel quickly takes the food from Bruno.

Mother’s role is another thing that has been changed in the film. She is much more involved in what Bruno is doing than she is in the book. In the novel, when Bruno sneaks away to visit Shmuel, mother is most likely “… having one of her afternoon naps” or “…having one of her medicinal Sherries.” She does neither of these things in the film and instead keeps a closer eye on Bruno. Mother’s role has been changed so she is a much more likeable character and people viewing the film have some sympathy for her.

A number of differences have been recognised between the novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and the film that followed it. Some of these differences include the character’s appearances and ages, their decisions and their involvement in the events that take place. These changes have been made for a number of reasons, mainly to please

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