Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 16 Questions

1. What is the Hermit’s mother in law’s attitude toward him as seen in her letter?

It seems loving as if she took him in as a son of her own. They both suffered in the death of Imogen (the wife) and Bertram (the son), and it seems the mother-in-law finds that during their deaths she needs to support someone and care for someone as she no longer has her daughter. As well as wanting to confide in each other in their time of loss.

2. What does this suggest about the way in which the Hermit’s family actually died?

It suggests the first option that was discussed, that the Hermit shot the pair to end their suffering so they would not have to suffer burning to their deaths, or at least that the mother-in-law believed his testimony.

3. What makes Ellie change her mind about Lee on the way back from the Hermit’s hut?

I think it may have been realising how much she needs him, he balances her out when she speaks through emotion more than the logicality that Ellie's mind is more suited towards. When he takes control of the moment he is able to devise Ellie's emotions out into what they are needed to depict for her to truly understand her thinking. While this is true, Lee tends to overcontrol and turn her own words against her, this what I believe will trouble their already complicated relationship.