Point of View

The novel is written in the third-person omniscient point of view. This novel is seen through the eyes of Bruno, a nine-year-old German boy whose father has just become commander of the concentration camp at Auschwitz. The author remains in Bruno's head throughout the majority of the novel, making the point of view limited because the events of the novel are seen only through Bruno's eyes, thoughts, and emotions. However, the point of view expands at the end of the novel, allowing the reader to see the reaction of Bruno's father when he finally realizes what happened to his missing son.

The point of view of this novel works with the plot because the novel's main theme centers on the idea that Bruno does not know how horrible the atrocities taking place under his father's command are. It is important that there be a certain amount...