Bruno's Father

Bruno's Father, Ralf.
A proud German, who served in the military in WWI.
The family moved to "Out-With" from Berlin because of Father's "new job".
- “It’s a very important job,” said Mother, hesitating for a moment. “A job that needs a very special man to do it."
He is now the commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp.
Bruno's father believes in 'the Final solution' because he sees Jewish people as less than human.

'The final solution' = the Nazi policy of exterminating European Jews during WWII.

EVENT: Chapter 5 - Bruno & Father talk in his office pp 44-54

Father had left Berlin a few days earlier than the rest of the family.
He hadn't seen his family since they arrived at Auschwitz.
When he finally appears he is surrounded by a group of five soldiers, all competing for his attention.
They were complaining about how the camp lacked efficiency and discipline.
After the soldiers leave, Bruno enters his father's office after knocking.
His father greets him with a ‘solid handshake’ but is not affectionate.
Bruno tells his father he dislikes the new house and wants to go home.
At first, his father is understanding, but after Bruno's continues to complain, he tells him "you will be quiet now". He tells Bruno that he will have to accept that Auschwitz is their new home and sends him to his room.
Before leaving, Bruno asks about:

“The people I see from my window…”

“Ah, those people,' said Father, nodding his head and smiling slightly. 'Those people… well, they're not people at all, Bruno.”

“Heil Hitler,' which, he presumed, was another way of saying, 'Well, goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon.”

After this, you could write about:

How Father feels about his new job.
- Is he nervous? excited?
- He might be feeling proud of his promotion and the work he is doing for the Nazi Party as part of 'the final solution'.
  - You might write about Hitler and his wife coming for dinner and what an important night it was.
You could also write about the context of WWII
- You could write about Auschwitz and what is happening at the concentration camp?
- You could write about what the Nazi's believed about Jews? (Father would have believed this too).
Then, you could write about your memories of last Christmas and the argument you had with your Mother - remember that Bruno's Grandmother did not approve of Father's new job or what he was doing (more below).

Father got promoted to Commandant after Hitler and his wife came to dinner at their house in Berlin - "which had brought the whole house to a standstill" p89
THE YOUNG SOLDIERS:
- Know he is important, powerful, has authority
  - Father held a hand in the air, which immediately caused the other men to fall silent. It was as if he was the conductor of a barbershop quartet" p 43
- Respect him because he is the high-ranking “Commandant”
- Look up to him
  - “They all held their caps in the arms and seemed to be fighting for father’s attention” p42

Father has authority in the family home.
- "He heard mother speaking loudly to him until Father spoke louder than mother could and that put a stop to their conversation." p10
- "Father rarely became angry; he became quiet and distant and always had his way in the end anyway" p52
Father is strict and intimidating, but expresses tenderness towards his family.
Father can be understanding and caring.
- He is patient with Bruno when they talk about moving to 'Out-With' (Ch.5).
  - “I’m proud of you”
  - “I have been very considerate of your feelings here, Bruno, because I know this move is difficult for you”
- But, he is not very affectionate.
  - “Father was not usually the type of man to give anyone a hug”

He is also generous. In Chapter 6 we learn that Father:
- - Paid for Maria's Mum's funeral after she got sick and died.
  - Gave Maria a job when she was very poor and saved her from poverty.
  - Maria has great respect for Father and is very grateful for his help.

Grandfather

"It makes me so proud to see you elevated to such a responsible position"

Grandmother

disapproves of her son and does not agree with Hitler or the Nazi party
is disgusted and ashamed that he is part of the German persecution of the Jews.
- "dressing up and ding the terrible, terrible things you do. It makes me ashamed" p92
doesn't praise him when he's promoted.
- "she sat down sadly, shaking her head as if he were a huge disappointment to her" p90
challenges Father about what he is doing.
- "Dressing up like a puppet on a string" p90
is so upset that she 'storms out' of the house
she is also angry at her husband
- "Which one of you is most foolish, I wonder?"

Bruno

"he felt both scared and in awe of him"

"there had never been a man born who was more capable of being heard from one side of a room to the other than Father" p43

"His thick dark hair had obviously been recently lacquered and combed" p42

"looked very smart in his freshly pressed uniform" p42

"the heavy sound of his boots" p42

When he was promoted to commandant everyone was excited - they praised him and his new uniform.

"the whole family applauded when he first appeared in it. It really was something special"p90

BUT - Grandmother understands what is represents and criticises him about his uniform.

"standing there in your uniform, she continued, as if it makes you something special. Not even caring what it means really. What it stands for."p91

"to see you in that uniform makes me want to tear the eyes from my head!" p93

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