The Theme Of Loyalty In Our Sunshine By Robert Drewe

In Our Sunshine, the composer explores the theme of loyalty through flashbacks and imagery to form an understanding and knowledge of the novel. In order to set the scene of the events, Robert Drewe has interpreted these techniques to create an extensive understanding for the reader. Drewe has used these techniques to emphasize the importance of loyalty and to make each character experience the significance of loyalty to one another. A selection of events has represented this theme through the relationships between the characters.

In the novel, Ned and his gang are incredibly loyal to one another. The composer has consistently represented loyalty through the characters and continuous events. Towards the middle of the story, Steve and Joe are given the chance to leave the gang. Ned doesn’t want Steve and Joe to be involved in the mischief as they are still teenagers. They show their loyalty to Ned by staying a part of the gang and rejecting his offer. Steve and Joe’s decision impacts the importance of loyalty to each member of the gang. In specific,

A specific example of this is when Ned has a flashback when he saved a young boy named Richard Shelton from drowning in Hughes Creek. Quoted from page 51, “aged eleven back home at Avenel I was the Hero of Hughes Creek.” The composer mentions this event as it informs the reader that although Ned has committed a series of crimes, he still represents the quality of loyalty. It also helps in forming real friendships and people would have more respect for Ned. Ned was extensively proud of his achievement in saving the young boy, he would wear the sash of green and gold proudly. As quoted on page 51, “Proof I’ve saved a life as well.” The technique emphasizes the importance of loyalty and signifies the reader to follow Ned’s decision in being loyal to his supporters, family and