Ideas and Themes- Survival
One of the main themes in “Tomorrow When the War Began” is survival. Through life, one of many roles of a parent is to teach their kids how to survive in the world, but when this young group of teenagers set out on a camping trip, they need to learn the important skills of being in a rural war.
John Marsden’s electrifying novel, ‘Tomorrow When the War Began, discovers how Ellie, Fi, Corrie etc. became trapped in a war and have to make decisions and plan defiance they may have never come across before. The group of young teenagers not only fight against the enemy, they learn to be independent. The novel addresses numerous themes and issues that occur in our society today. The author (John Marsden) uses many narrative techniques (Inner monologue, plot development, comparison, direct speech, short sentences to build up tension, choice of words, use of sound words) to get the message
The enemies about to attack
and importance of the theme across to the reader. He also uses imagery as well to define each incident and feeling in clear detail. “Ellie, I just can’t believe this is happening. Invasions only happen in other countries and on TV. Even if we survive this, I know I’ll never feel safe again.” The group of teenagers defend themselves in a town full of violence and tragedy to stay alive or be killed.
An example of many scenes about survival is when Ellie, Corrie and Kevin, go to the showground to try and find their families where their enemies have them hostage. John Marsden, uses a variety of narrative techniques in this particular scene to convey the reader into a mood of suspense. With fear as the main mood during this scene, they run away from the showground to hide in a backyard of a familiar neighbour. With the chaotic dramas that happen at the showground the enemies continue to follow the three in hope of victory. This is where direct speech comes in. “Those soldiers were shooting at us”. John Marsden has explained the feeling was of anxiety and nervousness. “The way they screamed when the mower blew up”. This quote that has been used, is a perfect example of portraying survival as it is something that only ever happens in a war. John Marsden, uses many examples and techniques to show the meaning of survival and what life is really worth to Ellie and her friends.
The war is here...