The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Writing Assignment


Directions: Select one of the following topics. Write a well-constructed 500-word essay in which you use evidence from the text and movie to support your idea. Be sure to follow the guidelines of the rubric.


Prompts (pick ONE or TWO):
a. Bruno and Shmuel are more alike than different. Suggest how their alikeness contributes to a major theme in the novel.
b. Discuss the way three characters support the following statement: The very best of humanity is possible even in the most trying of circumstances.
c. It is easier to be brave if you don’t know how dangerous a situation is. Discuss whether Bruno is a brave boy or a coward.
d. Discuss the way Boyne/author/producer uses the child’s perspective in the story/movie to emphasize that all men are equal.
e. Boyne/author/producer uses clothing to illustrate images that work to develop the reader’s emotional response to the story/movie. Discuss this with reference to three different outfits.