How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"We must just keep ourselves safe until this is all over. That's what I intend to do anyway. What more can we do after all?" (6.344)
Ah, good old complacency—Maria says this to Bruno, and what a fine example she sets. Not. She's basically telling Bruno that they're powerless and that whatever happens happens. Why stick out your neck for someone else if it'll put you in danger? Then again, why do anything at all if there's no such thing as empathy?
Quote #5
"It's not up to us to change things." (6.344)
Um, okay Maria, then who is it up to? Hitler? God? The Pope? At some point or another, there's always a choice between action and inaction. Maria (and many people who weren't Jewish) chooses to do nothing while the Holocaust takes place.
Quote #6
"Standing there in your uniform […] as if it makes you something special. Not even caring what it means. What it stands for." (8.471)
Grandma is a sympathizer with the Jews? Oh, say it ain't so. Out of all the adult characters in the book, she's the most outspoken and brave in the face of Hitler and the Nazis. Unfortunately, she dies soon after Bruno moves to Auschwitz with his family—there goes that positive influence.