* Innocence and Ignorance: Bruno's naivety is central to the novel. He doesn't understand the true nature of the concentration camp or the danger it represents. This innocence highlights the stark contrast between Bruno's world and the reality of the Holocaust.
* Friendship and Connection: Bruno's friendship with Shmuel, a boy on the other side of the fence, transcends the barriers of prejudice and fear. Their relationship shows the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
* The Dangers of Blind Obedience: Bruno's father, a high-ranking Nazi officer, represents the dangers of unquestioning obedience to authority. He is complicit in the horrors of the Holocaust, even if he doesn't fully grasp their magnitude.
* The Nature of Prejudice and Discrimination: The novel exposes the devastating consequences of prejudice and discrimination. Bruno's initial fear of the "people in striped pajamas" stems from the propaganda and misinformation he has been exposed to.
* The Power of Empathy and Compassion: Despite his initial fear and ignorance, Bruno develops empathy for Shmuel and the other prisoners. This empathy challenges the dehumanizing ideologies of the Nazi regime.
* Loss of Childhood: Bruno's loss of innocence and the trauma he experiences represent the loss of childhood that countless children suffered during the Holocaust.
* The Holocaust's Impact on Families: The novel highlights the devastating impact of the Holocaust on families, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Bruno's family is torn apart by the war, and Shmuel's family is destroyed by the Nazi regime.
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" uses Bruno's innocent perspective to expose the dark realities of the Holocaust and raise important questions about human nature, prejudice, and the power of empathy and compassion.