Question

How does Bruno respond to conflict? What is his true character: Is he brave, or is he a coward? Use textual evidence to support your argument

Answer 1

When Bruno's true character came out, he turned out to be a coward. He also turned out to be a friend who will not help when trouble is near you or them. Before Lieutenant Kotler came, Bruno said (paragraph 21) "I wouldn't mind him. This isn't his house, it's mine. and when Father's away I'm in charge. Can you believe he's never even read Treasure Island?" Bruno was trying his hardest to sound braver than he really was when he said that. When Bruno said that he hasn't even read Treasure Island, he was trying to act smart. Bruno also said "He's not going to mind," when he handed Shmuel the food, but when Lieutenant Kotler reappeared in the kitchen, Bruno stared at him. He felt the atmosphere grow heavy. When Lieutenant Kotler asked Bruno if Shmuel was his friend, Bruno's mouth dropped. When he was suppose to say yes to make things right, but then he realized that he couldn't because he was feeling just as terrified himself. That is when Bruno's true character came out and he came out to be a coward. Bruno was acting all tough and he even said that when his Father is away, he is in charge. Everything that he had said to Shmuel was all a lie. Bruno was like a different person when Lieutenant Kotler entered the kitchen. When Lieutenant Kotler yelled at Shmuel, he looked towards Bruno pleading for his help, but instead Bruno just stood there not even moving his mouth. A characters true character is revealed when they are trapped and have pressure on themselves. Just like Bruno had pressure on himself because he was terrified of Lieutnant Kotler.