Tomorrow When The War Began Essay

Tomorrow, When the War Began is a novel by John Marsden, the text is filled with danger, suspense and emotion and is aimed at late teenagers. The text is set in the Australian bush, during an attack from a foreign invasion. John Marsden shows us there is hope for teenagers. The main characters display moments of Courage, Self-Discovery, Loyalty and Maturity. These qualities are essential for the main characters now that their country is at war, this is why they emerge in the novel as essential themes.
Firstly, if teenagers were the last humans in Australia to defend our country from a foreign invasion, teenagers would survive. Teenagers have a different way of thinking about life, their courage towards the war, and towards each other is out of this world. Homer shows courage as he takes leadership role during the group being split into two. Robyn also shows courage when she carries Lee to the doctor. Robyn does not think about her safety when picking up Lee. She does this through her own will.
If a member of the group is not loyal to another, the whole group could fall apart. Robyn shows loyalty to Ellie and Fi. When Ellie and Fi were in the petrol tanker, talking about Homer, they didn’t know that there were soldiers creeping up on them. Robyn had to go against her Religion and stay loyal, by shooting the soldier and saving Ellie and Fi from potentially being killed. Another example of loyalty, is when Ellie quotes “We’ve got to stick together, that’s all I know”. (Marsden: 1993/284) This quote was after they got back to hell, and were getting ready with weapons and ammo. Homer knew that they would be looking for this group after they had blown up the bridge, so it was now or never. Without a doubt, loyalty will strive the teenagers to know that there is hope, but only if they demonstrate loyalty and stick