Tomorrow When The War Began Symbolism

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Tomorrow When the War Began is a fictional novel by John Marsden and was published in 1993. This novel follows the journey of seven teenagers: Ellie, Homer, Fiona, Lee, Robyn, Corrie, and Kevin as they navigate their way through war and mortality, testing the strength of their friendships and family bonds. They go on a camping trip to the bush ‘Hell’. During their trip, they notice some odd activities, but they move past them. However, when they return, they realise something is wrong. Marsden novel explores the significance of family and friendship, showing how these relationships provide strength and motivation during times of crisis through characterisation and symbols such as hell and family objects. Marsden employs a variety of techniques, …show more content…

This helps the reader to relate to the text on a deeper level and uncover hidden truths throughout the text. In Marsden’s novel Tomorrow When the War Began, the main symbols are Hell and their family objects. Corrie wants to take “family photo albums and her mother’s diaries.” Family objects such as family photo albums represent the lasting importance of family and memories. They remind the characters of what their life was like before the war, and what it can be like after the war if they continue to fight. Another symbol, Hell, is described as “Hell isn’t really a place, but instead is other people.” Hell is the remote Australian bush where Ellie and her friends go camping. Hell represents the disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty the characters, particularly Ellie, feel throughout their journey. After Elie kills several soldiers to save herself and her friends, Hell becomes a self-imposed punishment and prison for her. Killing these soldiers goes against Ellie’s moral beliefs, taking a toll on her mentally. The use of symbolism in this quote adds a deeper meaning to the story as it conveys just how significant Hell is to not just Ellie and her friends but anyone who has visited or stayed there, such as the Hermit. Ellie goes on to say how Hell would’ve followed Hermit wherever he went, just as it would for Ellie and her friends. The use of symbolism in Marsden’s novel Tomorrow When the War Began enhances the plot by adding layers of meaning to the characters’ experiences, ultimately underscoring the transformative impact of the war on their identities and

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