Bruno's actions and words illustrate his growing understanding of the inhumanity around him as he transitions from naive curiosity to a more somber awareness. Initially oblivious to Auschwitz's grim reality, Bruno's encounters with Lieutenant Kotler's cruelty and his friendship with Shmuel gradually expose him to the harsh truths. His discomfort with Kotler's behavior and his realization of Shmuel's plight mark his increasing awareness, culminating in a tragic comprehension when he crosses the fence himself.

Shmuel's statement "You are on the wrong side of the fence" highlights the insurmountable divide between his world and Bruno's. Bruno, who yearns for friendship and speaks of luxuries like chocolate, cannot comprehend the harsh realities of Shmuel's life, marked by deprivation and suffering. The "fence" symbolizes the deep separation of their lives during the Holocaust, illustrating that their worlds are fundamentally different and cannot be reconciled.

Boyne evokes feelings of innocence and moral clarity through Bruno's mispronunciation of "Auschwitz" as "Out-With." This reflects Bruno's childlike nature and inability to comprehend the horrors associated with the camp. By highlighting Bruno's innocence, Boyne contrasts it with the grim reality of Auschwitz, suggesting that those who accept the atrocities as normal are wrong. Bruno's mispronunciation symbolizes a rejection of the inhumanity of the Holocaust, emphasizing a world view of what should be rather than what is.

Bruno learns about discrimination through his interaction with Pavel, who treats his injured knee. Raised to see Jews as inferior, Bruno is surprised to discover that Pavel, a servant, was once a doctor. This revelation challenges Bruno's preconceived notions and highlights the dangers of judging people based on appearances. The experience becomes a "teachable moment," showing Bruno that individuals' true worth extends beyond societal prejudices, thus promoting a deeper understanding of discrimination's impact.

Bruno's honesty with himself in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" highlights his outsider status in a society that values conformity and "group think," as seen in Nazi Germany. His self-reflection contrasts with the lack of openness and dissenting thought typical of the time. Boyne uses Bruno's character to comment on the nature of individuality and conformity, suggesting that honesty and self-reflection were not common traits in Nazi society.

Lieutenant Kotler is portrayed as an evil character in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. He is depicted as violent and abusive, particularly in his brutal treatment of Pavel after a minor accident and his severe beating of Shmuel, a malnourished child, for eating. His affair with the Commandant's wife further underscores his lack of morality and loyalty. Overall, Kotler's actions and demeanor consistently illustrate his malicious nature throughout the novel.

The novel illustrates discrimination as dehumanizing through the unquestioning acceptance of Nazi ideology by characters like Bruno's father and Lieutenant Kotler, who view Jews as less than human. The normalization of discrimination reflects its dehumanizing nature. In contrast, Bruno's innocent friendship with Shmuel and his questioning of the status quo highlight the moral blindness surrounding him, emphasizing how discrimination strips away humanity by reducing people to "objects" or "things."

In "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," clothing is used to evoke emotional responses by highlighting innocence, authority, and transformation. The "striped pajamas" symbolize the innocence and naivety of childhood, contrasting with their true nature as prison uniforms, illustrating the cruelty of the Nazi regime. Bruno's father's uniform conveys cold authority and detachment. Bruno's transition from his everyday clothes to Shmuel's outfit signifies adaptability and innocence, contrasting with his father's rigid identity.