Chapter 6 - The Overpaid Maid

• On pg 60 Bruno reveals a radical shift in his perspective and understanding of Maria. What is this radical shift? What does this show is developing in Bruno?
  This radical shift is realising that Maria is a person and has a history and feelings and has a life of her own not just a maid. This shows that Bruno is starting to understand things and people better and he is maturing.  

• Compare how Bruno and Gretel treat Maria.
  Bruno and Gretel treat Maria very differently. Bruno gives Maria respect and tries to be polite with her, he treats her like a person and someone that deserves respect. Gretel treats Maria as nothing but a maid and a servant. She treats her disrespectfully and shows no sign of manners towards her.
• (pg 65) What is Maria's advice to Bruno about 'keeping safe'? Why do you think that she gives this advice? Do you think that it is good or bad advice?
  Maria's advice to Bruno is to keep quiet and not saying anything he feels about the move to anyone or even out loud at all. I think she gives this advice because either she might get in trouble for it for talking to him or maybe because shes trying to look out for Bruno and doesn't want Bruno getting in trouble. I think this is good advice because Bruno might get in trouble if he was to express this in front of the wrong person.
• (65-6) What is Bruno's reaction to his new thoughts/feelings? Why do you think that he reacts this way?
  Bruno's reaction to all of this new understanding of Maria is him feeling like he wants to cry. I think he reacts this way because he is empathetic towards her and feels sad about her story with her mother and Bruno's father. I think its all just a bit too much for a child to take in all at once when hes going through his tough time of the move.