Literary Techniques In Fly Away Peter

David Malouf is the author of the novel of ‘Fly Away Peter’. Fly Away Peter is an Australian novel set before and during the First World War. The first part of the novel is set on the Queensland Gold Coast, and the second part on the Western Front. The way in which he weaves various plot lines throughout his text to highlight the utopia found in the “sanctuary”, as well as the dystopia of the war is an integral element of understanding the power and purpose of ‘Fly Away Peter’. Throughout ‘Fly Away Peter’ Malouf utilises a variety of literary techniques such as contrast, Imagery, Symbolism and foreshadowing to portray ideas and themes. The main theme of this novel is the cycle of life and death. The central motif of birds gives the author the opportunity to explore a range of themes. The miracle of bird migration becomes symbolic, echoing Jim's journey across the globe to the war. This is portrayed through the exploration of two different worlds that Jim has experienced. There is foreshadowing as the “invisible paddock” is the introduction of the two planes of life. Malouf has also

The language used was detailed and this evokes the reader’s mind to visualise the scenery. Malouf utilizes symbolism to explore how the peace and innocence found within nature greatly contrasts the horror of experience found in war, but that both are needed to be whole. This progresses to the rising action as conflicts starts to rise. Jim gets to have the opportunity to serve in the war and he is contemplating on whether it was a good idea to join with Ashley. Due to the actions that he has taken, he experiences self-exploration and this was the climax of the story. Jim gets in touch with his dark side and he was unaware that he has one. “Fly Away Peter” by David Malouf explores a series of abstract concepts through the use of point of view, structure and characterisation, through this it keeps the readers