What is the setting and social background in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?

August 20, 2018 Educator

CALL IT COURAGE

In Call It Courage, what does Mafatu discover about the tasks that he did in Hikueru?

In Call It Courage, we can see what Mafatu comes to think of all the tasks that he did on Hikueru on page 56. That is the second page of Chapter 4. The answer is that Mafatu comes to be grateful…

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ROMEO AND JULIET

What does the Chorus tell you about how the feud will end in Romeo and Juliet?

The prologue of Romeo and Juliet, delivered by the Chorus, essentially details the action of the entire play. We learn about the feud, we learn that Romeo and Juliet will take their own lives –…

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SAKI

What is the moral of Saki’s story “The Seven Cream Jugs”?

The moral of “The Seven Cream Jugs” can be summarized with the statement “Do not judge others if you cannot stand others judging you.” In this story, the Pigeoncotes, a wealthy couple, have…

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“MASTER HAROLD” . . . AND THE BOYS

How does the society in which the play is set affect the characters in “MASTER HAROLD”. . .and…

In “MASTER HAROLD”. . .and the Boys, the society in which the play is set is crucial to the development of character and theme. The play is set during the apartheid era in South Africa, and the…

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DRACULA

How can I analyze the character of Count Dracula in Chapter 3 of Bram Stoker’s Dracula?

In Ch. 3 Jonathan is beginning to better understand his own circumstances and Count Dracula. Dracula has been deceptive and has now officially gone from being an eccentric host to a jailer for…

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PAUL’S CASE

What are two symbols in “Paul’s Case”? What do they represent and how do they contribute to the…

When Paul appears before the school faculty to get back into school, he is wearing a red carnation. The staff feels this is too bold for someone trying to show humility and repentance. Paul wears…

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THE SCARLET IBIS

What are some good questions to ask about “The Scarlet Ibis”?

I hope I am answering your question correctly. As a teacher who loves “The Scarlet Ibis,” here are some questions that I would ask my students if I really wanted them to understand the story. What…

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LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER

In the story “Lamb to the Slaughter,” Mary comes across as being possessive. What are some key…

The fact that Mary Maloney kills her husband in a single blow with a frozen leg of lamb when he says that he is going to leave her might suggest that her reaction is of one who is possessive. She…

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THE JUNGLE BOOK

Why did Akela push Buldeo over in The Jungle Book?

In the chapter “Tiger Tiger,” Mowgli kills Shere Khan with the help of Grey Brother and Akela. Afterward, Buldeo—the chief hunter of the village—finds them and tries to take Shere Khan’s…

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THE VELDT

What is the nursery in “The Veldt”?

In “The Veldt,” the nursery is the place where Peter and Wendy use their imagination to eventually kill their parents. Specifically, the nursery is a computer-simulated room that is able to pick up…

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GOOD COUNTRY PEOPLE

Does Mrs. Hopewell’s character in any way help to explain her daughter’s character?

In Flannery O’Connor’s “Good Country People,” two main characters are in conflict during the first half of the story: Hulga and her mother, Mrs. Hopewell. Mrs. Hopewell and Hulga are complete…

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ENDYMION: A POETIC ROMANCE

Can you tell me the summary of the 1st stanza of poem “The Endymion by John Keats”?

The poet used the first stanza to introduce himself and his idea of nature’s beauty and the role it played in his private life. He acknowledged that nature’s beauty uplifts the human spirit and…

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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

What passages in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird show Atticus as a lawyer?

The best places to find passages depicting Atticus in action as a lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird are the chapters covering Tom Robinson’s trial, chapters 16 through 21. One important…

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THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, what is the situation that occurs immediately after the navy…

Mrs. Mitty breaks into her husband’s fantasy as he is imagining himself the commander of “a huge, hurtling eight-engined Navy hydroplane” fighting its way through a storm approaching hurricane…

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THE CRUCIBLE

What specific role does dishonesty play in The Crucible?

There are many examples of dishonesty in The Crucible, and much of the plot revolves around acts of dishonesty. Before exploring how dishonesty works in the play, it will be helpful to note two of…

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THANK YOU, M’AM

What is the setting in “Thank You, M’am?”

“Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes reveals the effects of kindness and compassion and how they have the potential to change someone’s life. When Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones has an…

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EVERYDAY USE

İn “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, is Dee wholly unsympathetic? Is the mother’s victory over her…

In “Everyday Use,” Dee is not a wholly unsympathetic character. In the story, she represents the voice and ideology of the Black Power Movement, so her motivation for wanting to preserve her…

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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

What important lesson does Scout teach about understanding people?

By the end of the book, Scout teaches people the importance of seeing things from the point of view of others. Scout, therefore, learns empathy and teaches it to readers. Scout learn this lesson so…

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RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI

What is Rikki-tikki-tavi’s nickname in Rudyard Kipling’s short story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”?

In his children’s story “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” author Rudyard Kipling gives two nicknames to his title character. He is usually called Rikki-tikki for short but is once called just Rikki in a…

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DRACULA

What is the turning point in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula?

The turning point in a story, also called the climax, is the moment when the rising action turns into falling action. The term rising action refers to all events that create suspense and tension,…

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ANIMAL FARM

What are the allegories in Chapters Seven and Eight of Animal Farm?

An allegory is a story which has a deeper meaning. We can find many examples of allegory throughout Animal Farm. In Chapter Seven, Orwell uses allegory when Napoleon suddenly sets his guard dogs on…

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THE PIGMAN

In Paul Zindel’s The Pigman, what is the metaphor for chapter 13 ?

Chapter 13 is the house party chapter. Mr. Pignati is in the hospital and John and Lorraine decide to host a teenage party in his home. This chapter is written from John’s perspective, which starts…

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BLACK BEAUTY

In Anna Sewell’s novel Black Beauty, what was Black Beauty’s total number of homes?

In Anna Sewell’s novel Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse, the title character’s first home was his place of birth. He was born on a farm and raised on a “large pleasant meadow.” He notes…

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THE OUTSIDERS

What happens to Ponyboy when he is walking home from the movies ?

In the opening scene of the novel, Ponyboy is walking home from the movies alone and gets jumped by a group of Socs. The Socs are the greasers rival gang who live on the West-side. As Ponyboy is…

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THE DEVIL AND TOM WALKER

In “The Devil and Tom Walker”, how does greed play a role in the demise of Tom’s wife?

Tom and his wife fight constantly; this is a significant component not only of their relationship but their relevance and role in the story. Part of the reason for their fighting is that Tom’s wife…

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AMERICAN HISTORY

In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “American History,” is Elena really in love with Eugene, or is she merely…

Elena never directly says that she is in love with Eugene. She understands that he is a friend and that their connection could involve something more personal, but the story doesn’t progress enough…

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LITTLE WOMEN

What is a character analysis of Jo March in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott?

Jo March is the protagonist of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Although the narrator of the novel is omniscient, and has access to the thoughts of all the characters in the novel, Jo March is…

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RULES OF THE GAME

From “The Rules of the Game,” by Amy Tan what is the effect upon Waverly from Vincent and…

A little context is important. Waverly and her bothers receive presents from a local Baptist church for Christmas. Winston gets a model, Vincent gets a chess set, and Waverly gets a pack of Life…

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THINGS FALL APART

How might Okonkwo’s extremism be a response to the extremism of his father?

Okonkwo always felt betrayed by and disappointed in his father Unoka. The fact that he never worked hard and owed money to so many different tribe members made Okonkwo feel that he started his life…

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THE LEAP

Which of the mother traits is revealed in the flashbacks?

In “The Leap,” several of the traits of the mother are revealed in the narrator’s flashbacks: Her will to live Her athleticism Her quick thinking Her strength and courage Her adaptability In the…

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HARRISON BERGERON

Why doesn’t Hazel need a handicap?

There are no handicaps on Hazel because she represents 2081 America’s idea of equality. More accurately, she is clearly Kurt Vonnegut’s example of the lowest common denominator that everyone must…

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MANIAC MAGEE

What are four things Jeffrey loved about living in the East End?

Jeffrey “Maniac” Magee loves many things about his new life with the Beale family in the East End. 1. He loves that Mrs. Beale gets him a new pair of sneakers. Maniac loves to run, and his old…

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THE KITE RUNNER

Discuss Amir’s relationship with Baba before the tournament, after the tournament, and after…

Amir’s dysfunctional relationship with Baba never really materializes into the kind of intimate and easy camaraderie Amir desires. From his worshipful description of Baba in Chapter Three, we…

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JULIUS CAESAR

What does Antony feel is Lepidus’ role in the triumvirate?

Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus form a triumvirate after Antony’s oration at Caesar’s funeral has created rioting which forced Brutus and Cassius to flee from Rome. Lepidus’ full name was Marcus…

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THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND

How do Holmes and Watson spend the night at Stoke Moran?

After Holmes has carefully examined the three bedrooms at Stoke Moran, he tells Helen that she must sleep in her old bedroom and that he and Watson will spend the night in the bedroom she has…

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THE ALCHEMIST

In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, what are a few insights about life that the Alchemist shares…

Santiago has a few people who help him on his journey to achieve his Personal Legend. The Alchemist is the final person who is the one who teaches him about listening to his heart and learning…

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THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

What does his desire to escape tell you about Prince Prospero?

The prince’s desire to escape the devastation of the Red Death can tell you a few things about him: his fears, his irresponsibility, and his naivety. When the prince flees to the abbey and locks…

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A MOTHER IN MANNVILLE

What impresses the narrator the most about Jerry?

In Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings short story “A Mother in Mannville,” what impresses the narrator the most about Jerry is his integrity. This is stated in the following quote: “His name was Jerry; he…

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ANTIGONE

What human institution does Creon believe to be the most important in life?

From Creon’s perspective, the most important human institution in life is the power of the state. More specifically, upholding and maintaining laws once those laws are put into effect. In the very…

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WALDEN

What does this quote from Walden mean? “Still we live meanly, like ants, though the fable tells…

If you look at the definition for “meanly,” you will find that it can mean “inferior” or “of little consequence.” Think about the picture that Thoreau creates with the simile comparing man to…

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THE SUMMER OF THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE HORSE

Describe the meeting of the boys with John Byro when they are on their way to Fetvajian’s vineyard.

In “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,” the boys unexpectedly meet with John Byro when they are returning the horse to the vineyard one morning. Mourad tells Aram that he will do the talking…

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THE LOVE SONG OF J. ALFRED PRUFROCK

Why did T.S. Eliot, who was in his twenties when he wrote “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,”…

When poets write poetry, they may either write as themselves or they may write in the voice of a “persona.” Taking on a persona when writing means that the writer imagines how another person…

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THE DESTRUCTION OF SENNACHERIB

What is the meaning of “sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea” in Byron’s “The…

The line you’re referring to is the third line in Byron’s poem “The Destruction of Sennacherib.” It appears in the first stanza, which I’ve pasted below: The Assyrian came down like the wolf on…

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RIP VAN WINKLE

How would you describe the amphitheater before Rip falls asleep, and how would you describe it…

Before he falls asleep, Rip follows a strange man dressed in “antique” Dutch clothing and carrying a keg of stout through a dry mountain ravine where a torrent must once have flowed, and up a…

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SCIENCE

How can competition help us become better people?

Competition within any species, over anything, results in better organisms. This happens through the adaptation of some organisms of the species in order to outcompete the competition. As human…

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

How does culture shock relate to Social Darwinism?

Culture shock is defined as the disorientation a person feels when confronted with a cultural climate outside of their established norms. The effect is observed when moving to a new country, a new…

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THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY

In The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell, how do the students relate to The Diary of Anne…

Great question! In the book The Freedom Writers Diary, The Diary of Anne Frank and Miep Gies made a profound impact on many of the students. Many of the students related to The Diary of Anne Frank….

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THE GREAT GATSBY

What does Wilson want from Tom?

George Wilson, the husband of Myrtle—Tom’s mistress—wants Tom to sell him his old car, presumably so that he can clean it up a little and then sell it to make a profit. He’s asking for it even…

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THE KITE RUNNER

What is a summary of Chapter 4 of The Kite Runner?

Chapter 4 relates the story of how Ali came to be a servant in Amir’s household. Accordingly, in 1933, a Hazara man and his wife were killed in a car accident on the road to Paghman. The two young…