In the novel ‘the children of the dust’ by Louise Lawrence, the theme of survival is imperative, as survival is a challenge all characters face each and every day.
This is shown through the character Catherine. Throughout the first chapter, she seems to possess a survival instinct the others did not. She would not come out from under her table, saying “this is my house, I’m going to live in it for ever and ever” she wouldn’t drink the water from the open bucket the rest of her family drank from, only the water in the sealed bottle, which unbeknownst to her and her family, was the only water that wasn’t contaminated by the radioactive dust falling from the open chimney. This natural survival instinct means she survives and is the only one to do so.
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Initially, veronica is portrayed as quite brutal and speak rather harshly, telling Sarah to not “ask stupid questions!” and yelling at William to “do as I tell you!”, but when it ultimately comes down to it, she sacrifices herself for the wellbeing and potential survival of her family. It was only her that would go outside, facing an almost certain death sentence. When faced with the choice of taking the easy way out, ending her and her families' lives, she says “If it were only myself, I think I wouldn’t hesitate, but I've Catherine and William to consider.” She had to be there for them. To protect them. To ensure they lived as long as they could. This shows that her main priority is not her survival, but rather the survival of those she