How Does Marsden Use Narrative Techniques In Tomorrow When The War

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Tomorrow when the War began is a fictional novel based on a group of teenagers who are subjected to an invasion by foreigners, where they are forced to survive and work as a team. Marsden emphasises the use of particular literary techniques, including the settings, characterisation and a narrative perspective, to ensure correct and full understanding of the main themes in the novel. Striving for the correct use of such techniques, Marsden tones and modifies them to ensure the full use of these techniques, thus improving the interpretational capabilities of the reader. Marsden focuses on constant, informative descriptions of the surroundings and feelings of the characters, particularly Ellie, to ensure the full understanding of the main themes …show more content…

The use of the narrative perspective focuses on the change of the characters and the price of war. Until one is placed into a position such as the one the group were placed in, true emotions and opinions will usually take a hidden place in the person's mind, this is the toll of the war. An unbiased point of view is also implemented through the use of this technique, therefore character thoughts, opinions and feelings can be manipulated through curiosity in the reader, and later reveal the main themes of the novel in an altering manner for each reader. This is because opinions and interpretations vary greatly from reader to reader, though we must remember that main themes presented will remain noticeably similar. Therefore meanings and symbolism will strive in discussion after the novel. We begin to recognise the change of character, from before the war, and after, and how such events can alter the characteristics of each group member with ease, this is the price of war being explained as the novel continues. The change from other-reliant, more civilised people, to leaders and cooperative identities is drastic, and ideas or other themes are easily revealed through the evoking of curiosity in the reader. The main themes of the novel are easily provoked through the focus on emotional variability and an