Despite his mother's warnings and the unsettling presence of the soldiers, Bruno's curiosity outweighs his fear. He discovers a strange, bustling world filled with unfamiliar people wearing striped pajamas. He witnesses the strange rituals and routines of this "farm" and becomes increasingly fascinated by the children he sees through the fence.
This chapter marks a turning point in Bruno's journey. He is no longer just a child playing games; he is starting to understand the reality of his family's situation and the hidden world that exists just beyond their gates. The chapter ends with Bruno's first encounter with Shmuel, another boy his age, who is on the other side of the fence. Their connection, however innocent and unaware, foreshadows a deepening bond that will shape the rest of the story.