The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – Chapter 2: “The New House”

Summary of Chapter Two: "The New House"

Bruno is dismayed when he sees his family’s new home, having just moved from their grand
house in Berlin. Unlike the bustling and familiar city, the new house is isolated, surrounded by
emptiness with no signs of life or other families. It feels desolate, cold, and uninviting to Bruno.

He compares the new home to the one in Berlin, which was full of activity, familiar smells from
markets, friends to play with, and opportunities to explore. The contrast between the two
environments makes him feel alienated and unhappy.

Bruno expresses his frustration to his mother, who tells him that decisions are made by others and
that they have no choice but to accept the situation. She urges him to "make the best of a bad
situation," but Bruno remains unconvinced and disheartened.

As he helps Maria unpack, Bruno vents further about his father’s job being the reason they had to
move. This conversation is interrupted by the appearance of a stern young soldier, whom Maria
regards with fear. Bruno is unsettled by his seriousness and compares him unfavourably to his
father.

At the end of the chapter, Bruno feels sad and lonely, believing he’ll never find joy in this new
place. However, a small glimmer of curiosity appears when he notices a high window in his room
— perhaps a chance to see beyond the confines of his new life.

Key Themes & Analysis

• Isolation vs. Community: Bruno’s comparison between Berlin and the new house
highlights his loss of community and familiar routines.
• Innocence of Childhood: Bruno’s confusion, emotional responses, and humorous logic
reflect his innocent perspective on adult decisions and war.
• Authority and Power: The presence of soldiers, the "Out Of Bounds" office, and the fearful
reactions of the adults around him hint at a more sinister backdrop that Bruno doesn’t yet
understand.

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• Symbolism of the Window: The final image of Bruno noticing the window can be
interpreted as symbolic — a literal and metaphorical opening to the outside world, and
possibly, to new (and difficult) understanding.

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Comprehension and Discussion Worksheet

✏️ Section A: Literal Comprehension

Answer the following questions in full sentences.

1. What is Bruno’s first impression of the new house?

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2. How does Bruno describe the differences between his house in Berlin and the new one?

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3. What reason does Bruno’s mother give for the family moving?

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4. Who is Maria, and what role does she play in Bruno’s life?

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5. Describe the young soldier Bruno sees. How does Bruno react to him?

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 🔍 Section B: Inference and Interpretation

Answer using evidence from the text to support your thinking.

6. Why do you think Bruno is so upset about the move? Is it only about the house?

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7. What does the conversation between Bruno and Maria reveal about how each feels about
the move?

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8. What clues suggest that the new house might be near something dangerous or secretive?

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9. Why do you think Bruno's father is not questioned by the family about the move?

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10. Why is the “Out of Bounds” sign on Father’s office significant?

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 📚 Section C: Vocabulary in Context

Match the word to its meaning based on how it is used in the chapter.

Word Meaning

Desolate A. Serious and unsmiling

Customary B. A place that feels empty or sad

Forlorn C. Something that is usual or normal

Dismissively D. Showing something is unimportant

Stern E. Lonely, abandoned, or hopeless

Write the correct letter next to each word:

11. Desolate – ___

💬 Section D: Discussion / Writing Prompts

16. Bruno says, “I think this was a bad idea.” Have you ever had to move or make a change
you didn’t like? How did you cope?

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 17. Why do you think Bruno’s parents aren’t more open about why they moved? What does
that suggest about the time or setting of the story?

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18. The final sentence of the chapter introduces a window. What do you think the window
might symbolize in the story?

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⭐ Bonus Activity

Sketch the Scene: Draw Bruno’s new room or the outside of the new house based on the
description in the chapter. Add labels with key words from the text.