What do we learn about Father's thoughts and feelings here?

In these chapters, we come to learn that Bruno's father is human after all. The man we've seen thus far in the novel has been cold and cruel. He is a soldier through and through; he is concerned about his own position and willing to place his family in less than desireable circumtances. In Chapter 17, we see that Bruno's dad is finally taking the time to listen to his wife's concerns...... in Chapter 18, we see the devastation of a father who has lost his son.