Reader Response: An Example of Symbolism

Symbolism in The Boy in The Striped Pajamas

In the novel “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,” written by John Boyne, there are many different examples of symbolism.  Symbolism is when the author uses an object or play on words, to  represent a deeper meaning in the novel, and usually to represent a theme.  One such example is the term “Out With.”

“Out-With,” as Bruno calls it, is actually “Auchwitz,”  which was the number one most populated death camp during the Holocaust, the death camp that is responsible for claiming the most Jewish lives during WW II.  Bruno’s Father was a Nazi soldier during WW II, and he must have been very effective in his role.  Hitler promoted him to the Commandant of Auchwitz, which was one of the highest ranking positions in the Nazi party.  He was in charge of running the death camp, and following Hitler’s every order.  He therefore had to move his wife and two children out to a house just on the other side of the fence that barricaded Auchwitz.  

The father did not explain to the children where they were moving and what exactly his job was, which is ironic because Hitler did not explain to the Germans what exactly was going on at Auchwitz either.  The German people often had no idea the Nazis were killing and torturing Jews in these camps.

“Out with?”  asked Bruno,  “What’s an out with?”

“It’s not an out with Bruno,” said Gretel with a sigh,” it’s just Out-With.”

“Well what’s out-with then?  Out with what?”

“That’s the name of the house, Out-With.”

This quote is symbolic because the term “Out With” really represents what the Nazis were doing in Auchwitz.  They were exterminating an entire race, essentially creating a world that would be “Out with” the Jewish people.  “Out With” house is a symbol for the meaning of the entire holocaust.