Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 17 Questions

1. Why does Ellie feel uncomfortable with Chris bringing cigarettes and alcohol into Hell?

She thinks it might force them into creating standards or rules considering them all, the effect the leftover bottle and cigarette butts may have on their surrounding environment may lead people to their location, scare potential hunting game away, and cause and effect on the plant life surrounding them. This includes the food they intend to grow for their survival.

2. What is meant by a “clean war”? Why are the invaders so intent on having a ‘clean war’?

The term 'clean war' here is to do with a more peaceful form of invasion, compared to the ones we hear about in history lessons. Most of those include more death, violence and mistreatment. The invaders insist upon this because it will help from other countries intervention. For example, in the same chapter, page 225, Robyn tells us about this 'They keep talking about a "clean" invasion. They figure that if there's no talk about concentration camps and torture and rape and stuff, there's less chance of countries like America getting involved.'

3. What happened to the soldiers involved in the lawnmower incident, according to Robyn? How does this make Ellie feel?

Two of them died, and another two soldiers they ran over when saving Lee died as well. This causes a drastic effect on Ellie. She goes into a state of shock right after an emotional outburst, and the sudden change in her mood is definitely a change from what we have read from Ellie beforehand.

4. Why do you think prisoners are sent to clean up the houses around town?

They are being sent around so they can turn the houses into habitable areas rather than trashed and stinking of dead animals and rotten food. They are also being sent around to collect valuables. This is likely so they can sell them to the highest bidder for money or take them as war prizes.

5. What does Kevin want to bring into Hell by way of livestock? Do you think his idea is a good one? Why/why not?

Ferrets. However, like any of Kevin's ideas, there are the pros and cons of doing so. While they may be able to eat more meat and have a more nutritious diet, emotional attachment is an issue too. Becoming emotionally attached to something you plan to butcher and eat is definitely not a good idea. There are also the risks of them going feral, in which, if they were to go into Wirrawee, a steady stream of ferrets popping up once or twice a month and slowly increasing as the number of ferrets the eight raise could spell out a sign for the invaders that there are people outside with information.