Perspective: "Night" is a memoir written by Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor who recounts his personal experiences in concentration camps. It provides a first-hand account of the horrors and atrocities witnessed by the author. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," on the other hand, is a fictional story told from the perspective of Bruno, a young boy whose father is a Nazi commandant.
Protagonists: The protagonists in both books are young boys. Eliezer in "Night" is based on Wiesel's own experiences as a teenager when he and his father are deported to Auschwitz and other concentration camps. In "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," Bruno, the son of the Nazi commandant, represents the innocence and ignorance of many people during the time of the Holocaust.
Setting: "Night" is mostly set in concentration camps, such as Auschwitz and Buna, where Eliezer experiences unimaginable suffering and cruelty. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" takes place at a Nazi concentration camp as well, but a significant part of the story occurs outside the camp's perimeter, offering a somewhat different perspective on the surroundings.
Themes: Both books explore themes related to the Holocaust, such as the loss of innocence, the moral consequences of violence, and the psychological impact of dehumanization. However, "Night" emphasizes the brutality and inhumanity of the concentration camp system, while "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" portrays the tragic events through the eyes of a child, highlighting the innocence and ignorance during the Holocaust.
Style: "Night" is written in a straightforward and direct style, focusing on the immediate experiences and observations of Eliezer. It relies on stark descriptions to convey the harsh realities of life in concentration camps. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" employs a more narrative style, using third-person narration to tell Bruno's story. It incorporates fictional elements and imaginary conversations to enhance the emotional impact of the events.
Overall, while both "Night and "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" deal with the horrors of the Holocaust, they offer contrasting perspectives through different narrative styles and emphases, making them unique and emotionally compelling accounts of a tumultuous period in history.