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What four adjectives describe Lieutenant Kotler in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
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Lieutenant Kotler in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas can be described as nasty, patronizing, ambitious, and handsome. Additionally, he is determined, rude, sly, and violent, demonstrating his commitment to Nazi ideology and his ruthless behavior towards others, including Bruno, Pavel, and Shmuel. His aggressive actions and manipulative nature highlight his character's malevolence and opportunistic tendencies.
Nasty. A dedicated Nazi, Lieutenant Kotler is a fanatical believer in the idea of Aryan supremacy. To him, the Germans are the master-race, and this gives them the right to treat so-called lesser races like Jews and Slavs however they please. Kotler graphically demonstrates his commitment to Nazi ideology as well as his sheer nastiness when he brutally beats the servant Pavel for accidentally spilling some wine on his lap.
Patronizing. Bruno positively loathes Kotler. And with good reason, too. Because every time Kotler sees the boy he calls him "little man," which Bruno hates. Though only a young man himself, Kotler has clearly long since left his childhood behind and thus feels free to treat Bruno with condescension.
Ambitious. He's only 19 years old, yet already Kotler's rising rapidly through the ranks of Nazi officialdom. This is clearly a young man in a hurry, determined to continue climbing his...
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way up the greasy pole while there's still time left. And Kotler's ambition isn't simply confined to his career. His illicit relationship with Bruno's mother is indicative of a man who covets other men's wives.
Handsome. He may be ugly on the inside, but Kotler's quite a dashing young fellow, all the same. With his blond hair and piercing blue eyes, he's the epitome of the Aryan ideal. No wonder that Bruno's sister Gretel develops such a crush on him. And no wonder, too, that his mother should conduct an illicit affair with this handsome young soldier.
What is one positive trait of Lieutenant Kotler in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Lieutenant Kotler is an antagonist throughout the novel TheBoy in the Striped Pajamas. Kotler is an overconfident, shallow nineteen-year-old Lieutenant in the Third Reich. Bruno absolutely despises Kotler throughout the novel and watches with indignance as Gretel flirts with him. Kotler is known for his violent temper, and there are several scenes which portray Kotler's rage. Kotler lacks sympathy and ruthlessly beats weak prisoners, such as Pavel and Shmuel. Despite Kotler's numerous negative character traits, he is a very ambitious individual who is rather charming. Bruno mentions that Kotler is continually at his home, trying to impress his father. Kotler hopes to become close with the Commandant in order to climb the ranks in the Nazi Regime. The Commandant initially likes Lieutenant Kotler because of his willingness to follow through with directives and his desire to participate in Germany's war effort. Bruno's mother is attracted to Kotler's charm and begins to have an affair with him, while Gretel also shares an affinity for the young Lieutenant. Despite Kotler's charm and desire to impress the Commandant, his ambitious attitude and disregard for authority result in his dismissal from Auschwitz.
What three impressions of Lieutenant Kotler emerge from The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Lieutenant Kotler is the stereotype of the Nazi soldier: He is totally devoted to Fascism, having forsaken his family. He has cut himself from all but those connected to his military position and his ideology. Kotler is also cruel and sadistic and unprincipled.
- Cruelty and Sadism
While he is talking to Gretel, the daughter of the commandant who is only twelve, speaks to Kavel in Chapter 7, Kotler is very cruel and calls him a pejorative name for Jew. Later, in Chapter 13 when Kavel accidentally spills wine on the lieutenant when he dines with Bruno's family, Kotler severely beats Kavel in front of everyone.
- Unprincipled
Besides flirting with Gretel, Kotler also is seen early in the morning when Bruno comes from his bedroom at times when his father is gone, a presence suggestive of unethical, unprincipled behavior, especially when Bruno's mother is overheard calling Kotler by his first name with terms of endearment. In Chapter 16, he is sent away and there "was a lot of shouting between Mother and Father late at night," suggesting that Mother has had an affair with the lieutenant.
- Strong adherent of Fascism
When asked about his parents at the dinner in Chapter 13, Kotler replies that he does not have any contact with them; his father, a professor of literature has moved to Switzerland, he reveals. This move of the father suggests that he does not accept the ideology of Nazism and disapproves so greatly that he leaves Germany, cutting ties with his son Kurt.
Describe Lieutenant Kotler's personality in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Lieutenant Kotler is a part of the Nazi system in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Kotler's personality is not much else other than the Nazi system. He is described as having "very blonde hair, an almost unnatural shade of yellow." This is representative of the Third Reich's insistence on "blonde hair and blue eyes" embodying the "perfect" human being. Kotler's personality can also be very charming. This is seen in how he cultivates Gretel's affection and in the effect he has on Bruno's mother. At the same time, Kotler can be incredibly cruel. This is evident in the savage treatment Shmuel receives. Bruno watches in silence as Kotler abuses the boy. It is also seen in his treatment of other prisoners in "Out- With." Kotler's personality uses power over others as a way to enhance his own image.
Kotler is the closest thing to an antagonist in the novel. He is the representation of Third Reich. Accordingly, there is not much emotional depth to him. However, through Kotler, Boyne shows how evil can be so easily embraced. Gretel fails to acknowledge or wishes to deny any connection between Kotler and his morally reprehensible actions. In much the same way, when Bruno notes how his mother laughs more at Kotler's jokes than "Father's" or when she refers to him as "Kurt precious," it is evident that she fails to comprehend the horrible acts he initiates in the camp. The effect of Kotler's personality on other characters shows how individuals must be vigilant about evil.