The mother kept her children tight. All manners and etiquettes were followed strictly.

One example of Bruno's mother playing by the rules or adhering to social etiquette would be in her protection of Pavel after he treated Bruno's wounds. Bruno's mother was thankful for Pavel's skill and assistance. Knowing what would happen if it was learned that Pavel, a prisoner and a Jew, touch her son in any way, she protected him by saying that she treated Bruno's wounds herself.