Topic 1

Jim gets a rare view of life and death during the war. Even before he is interned, he commonly sees corpses in the fields and water, left to rot, be robbed, or feasted upon by other creatures. What perspective on life do these images present?

Topic 2

Most adults in this novel either dislike Jim or are openly mean to him. Why do you think that is? Is there something about Jim that makes him unlikeable? Are their attitudes toward him a product of war, or does war bring out attitudes normally hidden under the veil of civility?

Topic 3

What do you think happened to Basie after he last sees Jim? Do you think he survived? If so, what sort of lifestyle might he lead after the war?

Topic 4

What opinions of the British does Jim develop during his time at the camp? The Japanese? The Americans...