The womb
Rattles its pod, the moon
Discharges itself from the tree with nowhere to go.
My landscape is a hand with no lines,
The roads bunched to a knot,
The knot myself,
Myself the rose you acheive—-
This body,
This ivory
Ungodly as a child’s shriek.
Spiderlike, I spin mirrors,
Loyal to my image,
Uttering nothing but blood—-
Taste it, dark red!
And my forest
My funeral,
And this hill and this
Gleaming with the mouths of corpses.
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Trait Explanation Textual Evidence / Quote Patient Shmuel remains calm and composed despite the harsh environment of the concentration camp. His patience reflects his resilience and maturity beyond his age. “I have to be very careful what I say or do… or I could get into trouble.” Cautious Having grown up under constant threat, Shmuel…
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Trait Explanation Textual Evidence / Quote Innocence & Naivety Bruno does not fully understand the horrors of the Holocaust or the concentration camp. His innocence allows him to form unbiased friendships and see humanity beyond prejudice. “He’s got the same birthday as me… we’re really alike.” Curiosity & Adventurousness Bruno explores areas near the camp…
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Character Key Traits Explanation Evidence / Quote Bruno Innocent, curious, adventurous, compassionate Bruno’s innocence allows him to see Shmuel as a friend rather than focusing on differences. His naivety makes him endearing but also vulnerable to danger. “He’s got the same birthday as me… we’re really alike.” Shmuel Patient, cautious, resilient, kind Shmuel has grown…
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Theme Explanation Evidence / Quote Innocence and Childhood Bruno’s naivety and purity of thought show how children notice similarities rather than differences. His innocence allows him to form a friendship with Shmuel, crossing the barriers adults cannot see past. “He’s got the same birthday as me… we’re really alike.” Cruelty and Injustice of War The…
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