Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 1 Questions

   1.   What are the advantages and disadvantages of first-person narration?

The advantages, of course, have to do with how you can particularly see and know the narrator's thoughts. It can also mean though, that some characters are lost in the narrators focus on themself and the closer people. For example, we see that Lee doesn't have nearly as much attention to him as someone such as Kevin or Corrie.

   2.   Why do you think Ellie needs to tell the story in chronological order?

To begin with the present events and then go back into the past for context would be confusing. Even more so if this is done badly and some others can't tell that the narrator is telling something that happened in the past in their present. This can cause uncertainty as to whether it's happening in the present or past.

   3.   Pick one interesting word from the chapter, find its meaning and explain why it's interesting.

Ex-murderer

The word confuses me due to how someone can be an ex-murderer. It must confuse others too, as when I searched for an apparent definition it appeared with the word axe-murderer instead. The pure reason for my curiosity is how much the word does not make sense in such a context, or in any context.

   4.   John Marsden foreshadows several events and characters in this chapter. Make three predictions based on the evidence in the text about what may occur later in the story.

• On page 3, the first paragraph includes a sentence that reads 'That makes me think that I should be writing this like a history book.' At that point, no one really knows what kind of story this is meant to be, only that it must be something life-changing to these people.
• On page 4, when describing where Ellie planned to go, the Hermit from Hell is mentioned. This seems innocent enough. It gives a realistic feel to the description. However, later on, when mentioned in chapter 2, page 23, I feel as if it is more than a coincidence that such a person would be mentioned more than once. I believe that this person will be of purpose to the story.
• On page 9, we hear of Ellie talking of the loud TV, with a man screaming of how pathetic the Foreign Minister is. I believe either one of the mentioned characters may at least be mentioned later on in the story.

5. What kind of story do you think Ellie is going to tell? Uses evidence from the text to support your answers.

From what I have already read, I believe that Ellie will tell a story of mystery. They will go into the past of the others and it will lead to a large revelation whether it will be between the parents or the children as they find things and knowledge out within the bush.
6. What set of skills do these characters have that convince their parents that they can ‘go bush’ independently. Find examples for three characters.

• Homer did not attempt to convince his parents in any way. Each seemed to not care as much, whether it be because they trust their son or generally don't care at all for his wellbeing.
• Robyn didn't particularly convince her parents herself, instead Ellie talking her father into letting the girl go. Being able to compare what he was doing when he was younger to what they planned now.
• Fi as well did not convince her own parents, Ellie's mother being able to convince hers instead.