In "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne, a central theme revolves around the innocence of childhood amid the horrors of war. The story highlights the friendship between Bruno, a German boy, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp, emphasizing the tragic innocence that pervades their interactions. The narrative underscores how prejudice and hatred distort human relationships and the brutal realities of history. The quote,

"Those people ... well, they're not people at all"

, reflects the dehumanization inflicted upon the prisoners by the Nazi regime. It illustrates how propaganda and hate led to viewing others as less than human, which facilitated horrific acts. The quote underscores the devastating effects of prejudice, contrasting the innocence of childhood with the dark cruelty of war and societal hatred.