Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 22 Final Questions

1. What do Ellie and the others see in Ellie’s shed when they ride up her driveway?

They see the others in there.

2. What does Ellie compare this scene with? Why do you think she does this?

Ellie compares the scene before her with a Christmas tableau with figures such as Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, standing the positions, life-like, but still. I don't quite know why she does this, it could have been something about them all that reminded her of the scene, or it could have a deeper meaning. Authors don't have intention behind every word, only most of them.

3. What does Homer suggest the group does?

Homer suggests that they leave Corrie in the car outside the hospital, ring the bell (ding dong) and ditch her there so she can get treatment for the bullet wound.

4. What does Kevin decide to do? What does this reveal about him?

Kevin decides that Homer's suggestion is out of the question, and instead drives her there himself so she can receive medical treatment. This would mean that they would likely be taken to the concentration camp with the others in the town after Corrie has been treated. This reveals something very important about Kevin's character. As we have not had much interaction with him as a character, compared to others such as Fi and Homer, we do learn a lot about him through this. Kevin is seen as argumentitive, partially rude, and pessimistic. We know this is not always the case, and likely was happening because of the sheer pressure surrounding the situation they were in. When Kevin chooses to do this, he, in another way, is sacrificing himself. The eight of them had freedom, they were not kept within the camp. But they could've left Corrie there, alone, but safe and treated. Instead, Kevin chooses to go with her. It shows us how brave he is.

Essay Pre-Planning Continued Further...

Describe a relationship between 2 or more characters in the text. Explain how this relationship helped you to understand at least 1 of the characters.

Through the first paragraph, we plan to utilize our abilities to describe the relationships between each of them and all three in-depth. The connections that will be described will show how each character feels about one another at first, further along in the story, and by the end of the novel.

The second paragraph will continue on to explain how the relationship between Fi and Homer affects Ellie. The relationship affects her in a way where she realises the purpose of her newfound feelings for Homer.

The third paragraph goes into depth about how the relationship affects the plotline of the novel itself.

Essay Pre-Planning Continued...

Describe an incident which changes the course of events in the text. Explain how this helped you to understand an important idea in the text.

The incident of the bridge blowing up helped me to understand the idea of rebellion against old values and what you know because of how it demonstrates the rebellion of the teenagers against the invaders. We see this in the text when Fi tells Ellie 'I've always wanted to break a window.' This helps prove to me how all of them are learning that rebellion is the way to fight against them, instead of the more main characters, such as Ellie and Homer. We finally get characters like Fi to fully demonstrate how they have changed throughout the experience.

Another way it assisted me in my understanding of this idea is how it showed Lee rebelling through his disabilities. In most cases, he would be told to stay back and rest, however in this situation we see him go against those ideas. When Ellie asks him about his bleeding through his bandages, during Lee's rescue, he tells Ellie 'Only a little. I'd say a couple stitches came apart.' In this scene, Lee does not prioritize himself, instead, he makes sure they pay less attention to him and more towards what they are going to do. This shows us how, even though all the pain, he wants to make sure that they rebel against everything they have learnt, as well as everything the invaders are attempting to enforce.

Essay Pre-Planning

In my essay about 'Tomorrow, When The War Began' I will go over a key event and how this event changes the character within the story. The key event is closer to the end and describes how the characters Homer, Lee, Ellie, and Fi blow up an important bridge. This bridge is important to their invaders because it is used to transport supplies from and to Wirrawee. Through blowing up the bridge they have cut off an important supply route and started a small revolution they hope to spread throughout the people, country, and world. The important character that changes after this event, or is evidently shown before and during is Fi. This character changes in a way where at the beginning of the story she is described as shy, non-confrontational, and reserved. Since the beginning of the book and throughout this event we see the changes she has made to herself and how she treats others. During this event we see her become more involved in the group, whereas at the beginning it is told about how she avoided chores while taking their trip in Hell. Another change she's been through is how much more confident than the shyer girl we meet at the start of the story. The third change we see is how she no longer desires the reserved life she grew up with. Instead, she wants to leave that life behind, and go into farming with her boyfriend, Homer. This represents a major change because at the beginning we see her as such a reserved girl she doesn't even know what two-minute noodles are.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 21 Questions

1. What is it that primarily attracts Fi to Homer?

The changes he's made to himself since the war began. Before all of this had begun, Homer was pranking people and being completely and utterly rude. But, he's changed in a way he is revealing his true self. He is becoming serious and more collected. He is changing his playfulness into creative and amazing war plans. Fi has become attracted to the idea of a playful Homer that truly knows and shows how he cares for the others in his life.

2. What are Fi’s intentions regarding Homer?

She wants to marry Homer and live with him for the rest of her life. She wants to learn about farming and raise a farm with him until their lives end.

3. Why does this surprise Ellie?

Because according to her 'You know they're beyond help when they talk like that.' I believe she is surprised because of the different roads each of their relationships have taken. While Lee and Ellie's relationship is focussed on the passion they each have, it was sparked by each of the tough emotions they struggle to deal with in this time. During this Fi and Homer's relationship has progressed so much slower than the other's. They seem to be more focussed on the shy emotions they are each failing to convey. Fi and Homer are both shy within the relationship they have, yet they each seem to care more than they convey.

4. How do Ellie and Fi feel as they are leaving the scene on their motorbikes? Are these realistic feelings?

They are ecstatic! To them, they have won the war. Four of them have just blown a bridge apart with cows and a tanker. These are completely realistic feelings, they have survived bullets, an explosion and being trampled by cows. The kept up adrenaline they had in their bodies from each and every anxious feeling turns happiness.

5. Why do you think the group decided to blow up the bridge?

They wanted to feel what it was like to win a war of their own. They know truly that the eight of them will never be able to the war by themselves. So they win battles instead. They organise the times, the days. They choose when to fight their battles and win their own wars. They have won a battle for the people who will fight the real war.

6. How is this exploit different from the other exploits the group has been on?

This is much more calculated. They have every tool they need at their own disposal, the cows, the tankers, even something as small as the wire cutters. This plan took hours to create and left much less anxiety for everyone than the previous battle they fought. They have made their own battle and left no space for error or rebellion of the soldiers against their plan.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 20 Questions

1. Why is Ellie nervous about being paired with Fi?

She is hesitant and scared. Ellie tells us that she herself is scared, but Fi is really really scared. Ellie is afraid that she may freeze up when the time is most dire and she needs her the most.

2. What is true courage according to Ellie?

'I guess true courage is when you're really scared but you still do it.'

3. Were her concerns about Fi realised? Explain.

I don't quite understand the question, but I think I'm meant to talk about if Ellie's fear of Fi being inactive affecting the mission. Throughout the 'mission' they're on, Fi is able to act with confidence and determination, this means the concerns go unneeded, I guess?

4. What is a clue that Fi’s relationship with Homer is becoming serious?

Over the walkie-talkie, they say those three words to each other. That itself is something huge to a relationship, however, in front of the others, it is an even larger step in their relationship. Another part is just before this is the pure relief we read about when Fi heard Homer's voice, as well as how her eyes glistened, in this context, it seemed she almost saw him when she heard his voice.

5. What problems do Fi and Ellie encounter on their mission to bring the tanker to the appropriate place under the bridge? How do they deal with these problems?

• The tankers seem to be without breaks. They deal with this by taking the risk of injury and/or explosions. Later on, however, they are thankful to discover the tanker has air breaks, even if they don't know how to completely use them, having breaks is a better sign in itself.

• Being unable to tell whether the fence had alarms or not was a problem, however, when the fence was cut they were thankful to know it had absolutely no alarms attached to it. This problem was solved by pure and utter luck. Another problem they encountered with the fence was cutting the appropriately sized hole in the wire fence. This was solved by contorting their bodies to fit and cutting the hole bigger.

• Operating the tanker seemed to be a problem for Ellie. She had never operated one before, and at the same time, she was using air brakes for the first time. This should have been a recipe for disaster, as she had explosion material in the back. But, like always, they still manage to get out of it.

• Patrols operating in the area were a known risk to their plan. However, they worked around this by having Fi check for patrols before moving the tanker. This proved for the best, as she was able to spot one early on. This problem was solved by stopping the tanker, giving the illusion that it was just another abandoned vehicle, and having the girls climb a tree to stay out of sight.

• Almost exploding was a problem too. Ellie was able to lose steering and the ability to break, after turning off the engine. She thought she would glide down the hill and slow down, however, she almost crashed into tree's, Fi and the gutter. This problem was solved by her turning the engine back on and guiding the tanker back.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 19 Questions

1. What makes Ellie think the soldiers walking past them are professionals?

The way they act, someone who's untrained wouldn't be nearly as silent as those soldiers had been. They were also efficient and calm in their movements and actions.

2. What do the soldiers fire at in the bushes?

A rabbit. THEY ARE SO BORED THEY FIRE AT A BLOODY RABBIT.

3. What are some clues that the group is starting to think ‘more like soldiers’?

The first part is from Ellie, while we already know of Homer becoming more soldier-like, the others are slow to adjust to the war. 'I had to activate that determined voice in my brain: "If you do nothing, you'll die. Move, but move slowly. Be controlled. Don't panic."'
This is probably for the best too, if they begin to all think like soldiers there is a less likely chance they may be injured, taken or killed. This will allow them to become more efficient in survival and likely taking back Wirrawee or assisting those who do.

4. Do you think Homer’s plan will work? What problems do you think they might encounter?

As said within the chapter, there are problems such as the cattle refusing to move, the tankers not being there or being empty or other vehicles or sentries being around. But there are also others that go unmentioned but are likely discussed and not mentioned within the text, these are problems such as getting the motorbikes, the sentries shooting at the bikes as they run, the sentries shooting the bikes or them before they reach them and MANY others. However, like the last plan where they saved Lee, I'm sure it will end fine. Improvisation is key in any war.

5. What does Homer suggest they do when the group goes up to the Heron?

I believe that is when he suggests blowing up the tanker, I can't find anything to suggest anything else was said between the three who went up.

6. What are his strategies to put his plan into action?

Distraction. He plans to use the cows in the area to distract the sentries and soldiers as they lead the tanker into place and blow it up. It's definitely a unique approach to what they want to do.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 18 Questions

1. What does Ellie find primarily attractive about Lee?

His mind and intelligence, as well as the security she felt when being around him. She has also discovered that beneath the exterior of joking, he is a passionate person who cares for what her deeply.

2. Who is she attracted to physically?

It was Homer. However, that attracted seemed to be only physical, as the pent up frustration and lack of physical contact clouded her thoughts and confused her.

3. What are the group’s options according to Homer?

1. Sit tight and do nothing.
2. They have a go at getting their families back.
3. They can do something else to help the 'good guys.'

4. What do they decide to do and why?

They don't exactly decide that we read, because Ellie walks away from the meeting, but from what I gather from it, they've decided to keep their eyes on the road the invaders are mainly using. Because of this, I believe that they are going along the lines of the third option, helping the people who are helping them.

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.

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.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 15 Questions

1. What do Ellie and Lee find in the Hermit’s hut that the others don’t know about?

The police report detailing the Hermit's apparent crime, including the murder of his wife and child, their names, and how there was no dispute within their marriage. They also find newspaper reports of the deaths of the pair that don't mention the murderer in question, photos of the couple, and birth certificates of all three of them. There are also postcards, medals awarded for work in the army, letters and notebooks as well.

2. According to the coroner’s report, what are the two possible ways the Hermit’s family died?

The first is to do with how the severe bush fires raged within the area of their living, during which the pair were caught in the blaze and were burning alive, painfully and slowly presumably. In a way to save them from suffering, the husband in question shot them in the head to end their suffering. This was because of the lack of medical aid nearby, and if they were on their way, it would have been too late for the pair anyway. This was what the Hermit claimed in his trial.

The second possibility that he was supposedly charged with was that he shot them before the burning. Killing them and using the fire to cover his tracks and hide their bodies. This prevented medical science from determining which came first, and without other evidence, they were not able to determine anything

3. Which do you believe? Why?

I believe the first. I want to have faith in him for once. But I have no other reason besides that though. The lack of evidence doesn't help, but the fact he supposedly kept so many mementos of them most likely leads to him wishing they were alive. Most murderers don't keep mementos of their victims.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 14 Questions

1. What reasons does Ellie give Lee for not wanting a relationship with him?

She's confused, and Lee is driving her crazy. To her, the idea of thinking of romance in the middle of a war is stupid and selfish. As well, she likes control. Lee is choosing for her, and that is something she cannot bear. He is choosing her words in the order he wants to hear, he is choosing when and where they speak, and he is forcing her into a corner.

2. What do you think are the real reasons?

I think they are just as I've put them above, but at the same time, she has feelings for Homer and Chris that are going unaddressed. These are crowding her mind and she is more confused than she portrayed.

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.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 12 Questions

1. “They say teenagers can sleep all day”. Is this true? Do you agree? Does Ellie still see herself as a typical teenager?

NO. There are two different types of teenagers with sleeping, you either sleep eight hours a night or even more, or eight hours a week. There is barely an in-between. But besides that, if Ellie can still say she's a 'normal' teenager, then I'm a dog. She has seen more blood and war than any other Australian teenager, that is not normal.

2. Ellie’s dream at the beginning of the chapter is rather nonsensical, as dreams are known to be. Is there any meaning to it? Try and explain what Ellie’s subconscious could be thinking about: why is her dad cooking for the whole town? Why did Father Cronin ignore Ellie’s greeting? Why was Corrie 8 years old again? Why were they sailing off on a boat? Why was Lee undressing?

I have no insight into any dreams, nor what they mean. I believe what she is attempting to dream about is a happier time for her family, where her father is free and cooking a barbeque for the family, where they believed in a different fantasy to the safety they believed in. The boat represented how they moved onto the war and a different life. I have no idea about Lee stripping though.

3. Why is it so terrible that Chris falls asleep while on sentry duty? How does Ellie react? Why do you think she reacts this way? How does she feel about her reaction later?

The soldiers would have invaded their base without them knowing, they could have been killed. Ellie understands this and this is why she is so mad at Chris, I think this is caused by the build-up of emotions within her mind and how she thinks that he has just put everyone in danger of dying. She knows her reaction is bad later on, but she doesn't feel much remorse for her reaction.

4. Back in Hell, Ellie’s dreams are far more ominous. Explain why Ellie is dreaming of her fears.

She is afraid. There is no other explanation. She is afraid the soldiers that have her family and her people are going to come and take even more away from her.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 11 Questions

1. How does Ellie feel as she is waiting in the truck at the Council Depot? Where do her emotions come from?

There are a lot of emotions running through Ellie, however, what is most interesting is she is feeling scared and excited. She tells the reader how the emotions come from love, her fear comes from love. 'My fear came from love. Love for my friends. I didn't want to let them down. If I did, they would die.'

2. Why are the girls smiling when in danger? Is this a logical response?

I think it is their relief that so far, everything has gone well. They are together and not alone, and they are saving a life by doing what they are doing.

3. What does wearing a helmet and buckling up mean to the girls?

It means they still have a sense of wanting to be safe left in them. Some people would throw themselves in front of a bullet for one another, instead, they are wearing armour and pushing each other out of the way. They want to have a sense of relief that they are doing everything to protect themselves in the situation they are in.

4. What does Chris’s story say about the town?

They're a normal old town with not much going on. They're quiet and were even quieter around Commemoration Day.

5. What impact does the BMW have on the story? Does Chris seem lonely? Explain your answer?

I don't quite understand how these questions link to each other. But yes, Chris does seem extremely lonely, he has been left alone for some time and is probably now going to cling to the seven for dear life.

6. What is Homer’s explanation for the need to swap cars at Chris Lang’s place? What does this show about the way he is thinking?

One part was that since Chris didn't have his drivers license and his parents were overseas, the car will be in the garage and be of easier access to them. The second part is that if they leave it at Ellie's something bad could happen to her family. The third part is that they want to go out in style.

7. What are your thoughts on the story so far...

It's intricate and detailed, it gives an accurate representation of teenagers and war, as well as enemy tactics in the earlier time of war. However, I do wish I didn't have to stop every single chapter, I really want to continue reading as the story calls me to.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 10 Questions

1. Why does Homer insist on going on with the plan after Corrie’s house blows up? How does he convince Corrie that this is a good idea?

He doesn't want fear to overtake their ability to reason with one another. He believes that two of his friends may be gone or lost and getting them back together will change everyone. They will screw their heads on straight instead of losing themselves to emotions. He manages to convince Corrie with similar reasoning, telling her they were leaving to get their friends back. This seemed to be the only thing to convince her to let them leave.

2. Describe the strategy Homer and Ellie use to ensure their safety when riding their bikes into town. What does this show about how they are starting to think?

I can't quite find their strategy, but one thing they did further into the night was walking the bikes instead of riding them through the night. They are starting to take the perspective of the soldiers and think like warriors.

3. Why do you think Mr Clement is reluctant to help Lee and Robyn? How would you react in his position?

One part of his reluctance is his fear for his own safety, hundreds of others are trapped in a camp where one wrong move could get them shot. He knows that one wrong move could earn the same for him. Another is how he could be fearing for his family, Robyn speculates that his family is hiding as well, they would be some of the only family members together, they fear that these people will get them torn apart from each other. I would act similarly I believe, although I believe I would also be a lot less reluctant to assist the people.

4. How has Homer changed in Ellie’s eyes since the invasion?

He has become more serious with the mind of a soldier and a leader, yet he is able to joke with the others in an attempt to distract them from the pain they are all going through. Homer is a natural leader and a smart mind, and he has always been. But now, he is finally tapping into his ability.

5. What are the 2 different types of soldiers and how do they each treat the inhabitants of Wirrawee?

The professionals, and the conscripts, or fillers. The professionals are well equipped and efficient with their work. The conscripts are not at all similar, they have duller and less equipment, and aren't nearly as efficient with work. Funnily enough, the conscripts are the crueller ones, they seem to be having fun almost and likely are without rules and so they let loose. The professionals seem to be within boundaries they don't want to push, they act with harshness, but not cruelty.

6. Why do you think Robyn had the strength to carry Lee?

I believe I once heard of a phenomenon to do with the natural human body, how we possessed more physical strength than we believe. It detailed that in moments of dire need our bodies attempt to use every bit of strength in our bodies, more than we know we are physically capable of. Ellie speaks of a similar thing when she brings the example of a mother saving a baby underneath a car to light. How they could do it one day when a child is trapped and in need, however not the next, because the urgency of needing to save the life of another is gone.

7. How have the group decided to rescue Lee, whose idea was this and why do they think it will work?

They want to PICK HIM UP in a truck with a scoop or something similar from the Council Depot. SO they want to wheel him there to the truck in a wheelchair or wheelbarrow after Robyn gives him a shot of course. They'll put him in the truck, burn down the street and be completely indestructible because of the thick metal of the vehicle. This idea was thought of by Robyn, Homer and Ellie, however, Homer pulled it all together into one plan. Honestly, I think this has got to be one of the dumbest ideas ever. If they create that much noise and just go straight to where the others are, they'll all be caught.

8. What do you think happened to people who ‘tried to be heroes?’

They were killed on sight most likely or given severe punishment or constriction for insubordination to the enemy. 

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 9 Questions

1. Why, in Ellie’s opinion, is Cobbler’s Bay and Wirrawee so important to the invaders?

Cobbler's Bay is important because of one thing. It's is how, even from a great height, you can not see into the because of the clouds that cover it up, this makes it impossible to see incoming ships or anything alike unless up close.

Wirrawee seems to be important because of an array of different reasons, from Wirrawee they can gain free access to the rest of the country. As well as the lack of nuclear or army protection nearby, this makes it an easier target to overtake.

2. Corrie and Ellie reminisce about how innocent they were in high school and even a few days ago. Why were they still innocent then? Why are they no longer innocent?

Because they believed in a different fantasy compared to when they were children, as children they believed in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. But as they grew they believed they grew out of fantasy and into reality. They kept themselves in one fantasy though, safety. They now see that they are never going to feel safe again and that they have come into a truer reality.

3. Why does Homer think splitting up is a good idea?

Losing two or three of their friends is better than being left alone. Homer probably thinks they have lost Robyn and Lee, and he doesn't want to lose the rest of his friends to the war.

4. Why do you think the author added the few lines about an Australian jet flying overhead?

I think that this was to create anticipation for the blowing up of the houses. This was a dramatic happening and the tension build-up made it even bigger than what it would have been if written normally.

5. By blowing up Corrie’s house, what does the invading force demonstrate to the teenagers?

That they show no mercy to what the others care about. The teenagers are caring about the heirlooms and pictures their homes contain, but the soldiers have no regard for such items.

6. Why do you think Corrie reacted the way she did?

She has lost her family, two of her friends, and now her home. She wanted to keep the items of her memories and is now afraid that everything she has grown up with will disappear from her. She's afraid that now her reminders of the past are gone, she will forget them.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 8 Questions

1. How does Ellie feel after the lawnmower incident?

She feels horrible, that she has potentially murdered three people. Ellie believes her life will never be normal again and she is right, she can barely believe that she has done these things now and I believe that she will feel even worse when she has to do worse. It is likely she will have to do something much worse in the future, especially since Robyn and Lee have potentially been captured or killed. She attempts to describe it as if it isn't her, that she hasn't done it herself and instead was watching as someone else blew up the lawnmower and murdered three soldiers invading their country.

2. How does she think the others will react to her story when she tells it?

She was afraid that they would act as if she had done a heroic deed, that she is a war hero. When really she has done something horrible, and she feels as if she will never breathe the same again.

3. How do they actually react? Why?

They comfort her, they understand that it is not heroic, or a good thing. She has killed three people and the others see that she has changed forever. They see that they may have to do something like what she has done and that when they support her at that moment, she will support them when they do something similar.

4. Homer says, “This is war now, normal rules don’t apply.. They’re the ones who tore up the rule book, not us”” What does this say about his character? What do you think of the validity of his opinions?

I think it's to say how much he cares. Now that they have broken the rules, they know that he will break the same rules, that he will play the same game. And I think this is perfectly valid, in love and war there are rules, whether you abide by them or break them is your choice. But once one person breaks the rules, everyone will.

5. Fi talks about the ‘shadows’, during their reconnaissance. What are these shadows and what are the implications due to their existence?

I think this may have either been Lee and Robyn or the eighth character that these questions hinted at previously. I don't quite understand what else I'm meant to answer this question with otherwise.

6. What pieces of evidence from the book inform the reader that this invasion wasn’t entirely peaceful? Find at least 3 examples.

In chapter seven, page 85, we see the opposing soldiers open fire on Ellie, Corrie and Kevin. Afterwards, they continue to pursue them and shoot.

Homer speaks about seeing blood in the streets in chapter eight, page 97, along with Fi, there were also police cars on their sides, shops were broken into and stolen from, and cars crashed into trees.

In chapter four, on page 38, the planes that fly over the seven are without lights. While this can seem entirely reasonable, it is later revealed that it was likely for stealth rather than Commemoration Day celebrations.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 7 Questions

1. Which people in the group are starting to stand out as leaders, is this surprising? Why/why not?

I don't think it is surprising at all, leaders emerge in a time of crisis and they are needed to fuel whatever comes at them and whatever they will need to do.

2. Do you think that taking Kevin’s dog Flip to Corrie's house was a mistake? Explain your thoughts.

I think the emotional connection between the two and the pity towards other's loss' led to this decision. The emotional distress of everyone allowed them to pity Kevin to take Flip.

3. What does Lee mean when he says ‘we might have to make some ugly choices?’

He means that they would either have to leave Flip or kill him. I believe Lee intended to mean the former, however.

OR THEY'RE GONNA KILL FLIP.

4. How is Ellie’s image of Kevin changing in this chapter? Is the decision to split into smaller groups a wise one? Give reasons

We see Kevin become more of an emotional figure as he realises the distress of the situation. When Corrie came to her house and began to cry, we see Kevin hold her and not say a word. This is an extremely different character compared to what he appeared as beforehand. The same form of emotions is expressed earlier when he asks to bring his dog Flip along with him. It is mentioned in the story as 'He couldn't bear to leave her alone again after what she'd been through.'

5. Why is it that Ellie’s group decides to act ‘illogically’ and survey the Showgrounds together?

They don't want to be separated, the 'logical' solution deliberated between them would have been to separate and enter individually. This solution would have led to only one of them being caught in a worse for a worse situation, however, Corrie objects to this. Instead, she calls it 'too logical' and asks that if they should go down they should all go down together.

6. Why does the idea of a female soldier surprise Ellie?

I can't quite pin down what about the soldier being female surprised Ellie. Although it is likely that is simply that female soldiers are uncommon.

7. If your parents were captured in a situation like this, would they have been ‘sensible’, or would there have been violence?

Through further discussion with my parents, they have deliberated that from within the camp they would have stuck to sensibility, for fear of their lives. However, I did not understand that the question asked for the viewpoint of the others instead, I thought it would have been from the viewpoint of Ellie or Homer's parents, in the situation they would've been in if myself had been in the position of Ellie, for instance.

8. How is Ellie ‘transformed’ once she steps out from behind a tree near the Showgrounds?

She finds confidence through the realisation of the situation,

'Up until then. everything had been unreal, like a night-stalking game at a school camp.'

And shortly later this was said 'At that moment I stopped being an innocent rural teenager and started becoming someone else, a more complicated and capable person, a force to be reckoned with even, not just a polite obedient kid.'

Throughout the chapter we see her change into a leader figure, something direly needed for the rebellion that will likely continue from the seven of them.

9. Ellie and Kevin’s quick-thinking allowed them to turn a ride-on lawnmower into a bomb. Was this moral behaviour? Did they do the right thing, or should they have surrendered themselves?

They did it in fear for their lives, whether the soldiers are Australian or not, surrendering themselves would likely have led to either their deaths, imprisonment or likely even worse.

10. Predict what you think has happened to Lee and Robyn.

I think they may have discovered the eighth character that these questions have mentioned previously.

Tomorrow, When The War Began | Chapter 6 Questions

1. What is the first sign that something is wrong at Ellie’s house?

The dogs being dead. It's the very first line that is said in the chapter and completely changes the air of the book. It is not just Ellie who realises it, it is the reader as well.

2. Who is the first person to really realise what is happening?

I honestly can't tell, it seems to be slow at first, a small bit of panic when Ellie sees the dogs, but I personally can't tell who really realises it happens first. I do have a thought that Lee would have likely have had some theories in his head before anything happened though. While his suggestion in Hell that Commemoration Day would be the perfect day to invade the country seems to be a joke, he realises at some point that it is less of a joke, and more of a reality.

3. What is Ellie’s reaction to this person’s caution? Why do you think she reacts this way?

Who's caution? I don't quite understand who is meant to be warning her of anything. But no matter what, Ellie seems to react to this all in an understandable way. For all she knows, her parents are dead, everyone she grew up with is dead. She is beginning to panic and doesn't see a break in everything that seems to hit them all at once after coming back from Hell.

4. How is the pace in this chapter different from the chapters before?

Like said before, everything hits at once. The first five chapters seemed laid back almost, calm and beginning to tell a story of pain and hurt, however, no matter what the title explained, the pace completely changes the pace of the book. It's quick-fire information of everything and displays an array of emotions from every character involved.

5. If you were in this situation, would you test the radio or not? Give reasons for your thinking

Definitely. Communication systems like mobile services and Wi-Fi can be cut off easily and lost even easier. However, for radios to even be cut off seems to be extreme, as they are used for distress signals like boats and fires. Especially a fireman's radio being cut off of other channels.

6. Do you think the way the teenagers reacted to the realisation that Australia may have been invaded or at war was realistic? Why/why not

Yes, from their perspective, they are in a ghost town after a humongous event. Especially in Australia. Two major parts of Australia are its large landmass, and how many smaller countries and islands surround it. For example, if New Zealand and an Asian country were to start a war, Australia would be caught right in the middle, and likely forced to fight or hide for fear of their safety.

7. What possible reasons exist that could spark war or invasion of Australia?

Thinking about it, I can't find many reasons. Australia seems like a typically peaceful country compared to others around the world. Politics and the influence of the United Kingdom are typical reasons as well, however I still cannot find a reason.