Tomorrow When the War Began
TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN
John Marsden’s “Tomorrow, When the War Began,” is an Australian novel that represents how eight ordinary teenagers respond to a surprise invasion. John Marsden’s greatest strength as a writer is his grasp of character; once again he has created and constructed powerful compelling characters that appeal to the reading audience in many different ways. He appeals to the reader by using the following techniques, first person narrative, constructive characters, morality and leadership.
John Marsden has many different, creative ways to write a story, but in this case he has chosen to write “Tomorrow, When the War Began” with one of the main characters (Ellie) narrating from first person. Ellie (the story teller) is a seventeen-year-old country girl, born and raise on a cattle and sheep farm. Ellie is a natural leader, she doesn’t choose to be, that’s just the way she is. On page 20, Ellie show her first sign of leadership as they climbing their way down Satan’s Steps, Ellie gives a motivational speech saying, “Guys, I don’t know if its possible or not but there’s plenty of people round Wirrawee who say it is. If you believe the stories, there was an old ex-murderer lived in there for six years – the Hermit from Hell. If some pensioner can do it we sure can. I think we should give it our best shot. Lets make like dressmakers and get the tuck in there.” The signs of leader ship shown in this speech are, encouragement and a never give up attitude. This makes Ellie connect to the audience because she is strong, confident, motivational character.
Another appealing aspect is how the book goes on the characters change, they emerge from their average selves to leaders/warriors that take on roles and do things they wouldn’t have done before. For example, on page 90 when Ellie blew up three soldiers by setting fire to a ride on mower, she didn’t won’t to do it but she had too, if she wanted save her friends. Another main character to step up and take
John Marsden’s “Tomorrow, When the War Began,” is an Australian novel that represents how eight ordinary teenagers respond to a surprise invasion. John Marsden’s greatest strength as a writer is his grasp of character; once again he has created and constructed powerful compelling characters that appeal to the reading audience in many different ways. He appeals to the reader by using the following techniques, first person narrative, constructive characters, morality and leadership.
John Marsden has many different, creative ways to write a story, but in this case he has chosen to write “Tomorrow, When the War Began” with one of the main characters (Ellie) narrating from first person. Ellie (the story teller) is a seventeen-year-old country girl, born and raise on a cattle and sheep farm. Ellie is a natural leader, she doesn’t choose to be, that’s just the way she is. On page 20, Ellie show her first sign of leadership as they climbing their way down Satan’s Steps, Ellie gives a motivational speech saying, “Guys, I don’t know if its possible or not but there’s plenty of people round Wirrawee who say it is. If you believe the stories, there was an old ex-murderer lived in there for six years – the Hermit from Hell. If some pensioner can do it we sure can. I think we should give it our best shot. Lets make like dressmakers and get the tuck in there.” The signs of leader ship shown in this speech are, encouragement and a never give up attitude. This makes Ellie connect to the audience because she is strong, confident, motivational character.
Another appealing aspect is how the book goes on the characters change, they emerge from their average selves to leaders/warriors that take on roles and do things they wouldn’t have done before. For example, on page 90 when Ellie blew up three soldiers by setting fire to a ride on mower, she didn’t won’t to do it but she had too, if she wanted save her friends. Another main character to step up and take