Empire of the Sun Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1, Chapter 16 Summary

Part 1, Chapter 16 Summary

Jim was giddy with his excitement and freedom. He made sure the truck kept moving north, watching the sun's angle as he learned to do at the detention center. Once again Jim is viewing the world from the vantage point of this prisoner truck, as he passes villages, old ceramics works and burned out tenement blocks. At this moment he was enjoying the war and only wished the other prisoners could feel the same. But the other prisoners are in terrible condition and not able to see Jim's perspective. Jim watched Basie surreptitiously searching the pockets of the two boys without resentment. He knew it was all about survival.

At one point the truck overheats near a canal by a deserted village. There are burial mounds not far off. One of the British prisoners, a Dr. Ransome starts to befriend Jim. Jim hopes he can truly lead them to Woosung...
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