Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 13 Questions

1. All the teenagers have a specific role to play in their group. Describe the roles each teenager plays.

Homer obviously plays a leader figure out of the eight, as well as Ellie acting like a second in command. As for characters like Fi, Robyn, Lee, Chris and Corrie, I can't quite give them a characterization compared to the other three. Kevin, however, gives off the feeling that he is from an opposing party in a political fight, he opposes Homer's ideas on purpose, forcing him to take on different ideas to make his way around the issues brung up. Kevin may seem rude, but I believe he has a good purpose.

2. According to what the teenagers hear on Corrie's radio, why would America be best not to get involved in Australia’s struggle?

This war is expected to be long, bloody and costly. There is no other reason.

3. Why is Australia being invaded?

For their resources. Australia has land, animals, and space, and compared to other countries, Australia is blessed. Whoever has infiltrated knows that they have resources, but not nearly as many military resources. They can be compared to the USA, who have so much military power compared to the country.

4. A reader can infer many things from the snippet of news heard over Corrie’s radio. Which country or countries are likely to have invaded Australia?

While New Zealand is mentioned, it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY. New Zealand does not have the military power, people, money, or the military complex to achieve such a thing. However, Fi mentioned multiple stations that were communicating in Taiwanese, this may be speculation, however, there was once something I read about how either the Japanese or Taiwanese almost invaded Australia on Remembrance Day or a similar day. I believe the story is based off if this had happened.

5. How are the prisoners being treated?

They seem to be treated somewhat well. When they see Mr Coles, the primary teacher, on page 84, chapter seven, they don't speak on any seen mistreatment towards him. This is the best sign as there is lack of speaking about death when they hear it over the radio. They more so hear about how the prisoners are being held captive.

6. What do Kevin and Robyn argue about? Do you think Robyn’s points are fair?

They argue about how Robyn seems to understand the purpose of their invasion, however, Kevin takes it as a support to their actions. Robyn's points, however, are just as fair. These people are likely as they are called, without resources, space, water or food.

7. “Paradise of Hell” is an oxymoron. What does it mean?

An oxymoron is to do with contradictory terms coming together to create a statement. The word 'Paradise' is defined as 'an ideal or idyllic place' or 'a place of extreme beauty, delight, or happiness.' 

While Hell is defined as 'the abode of evil' or 'where the wicked are punished after death.' This creates a difficult situation to describe. But, it means they have found the paradise they need to live, in Hell.

8. Kevin’s hatred of the invaders is quite extreme. Why do you think he is so angry?

He wants his home, his family, and his life back. He doesn't understand that these people need to do this to live and survive in this world. Through all of this though, I believe he will soon be able to learn from the others about what they say.

9. The group take turns discussing the extent to which they’d go to make a difference. Order the characters by their commitment to overthrowing the enemy.

1. KEVIN, I think Kevin just needs to take a chill pill and relax. Even if they all wanted to take on the enemy, they don't nearly have the capabilities to do so.
2. Homer, I believe Homer is more about the survival than taking them down, he wants to live and not die a useless hero.
3. Ellie & Lee, these two seem to be persistent, but not bloodthirsty.

These seem to be the only ones I can think to rank, like Homer the others are more about survival than overthrowing the enemy.

10. The group is starting to think about long term survival in Hell. What are some clues to this?

They begin to think of capturing animals to eat, breeding chickens for eating and laying, taking goats, likely for milk, food and supposedly food disposal. They also discuss finding springs for freshwater and rationing their food.

11. What does the group decide they must do at this point?

There are a lot of decisions made, mainly to do with their survival of course. They want to take animals, for eating, laying, and other purposes. They discuss hiding places in Wirrawee and their stories if they are to be captured. They discuss rationing their food, finding fresh water, hiding notes for each other, where they would meet and many other important details about the expedition they plan to take.

12. Despite the fact that the teenagers are in the midst of a war zone, evading enemy soldiers and planning guerrilla operations, they still find time to harbour romances. Do you think this is realistic?

Yes. Love and war go hand in hand. The Trojan war, for example, was sparked by the love between Helen and Paris. This shows us that the two have gone hand in hand for years upon years. If anything, the romance shows me a more realistic side of the war.