Realism represents life as it really is or was. It can be identified in terms of the effect on the reader. That is, realistic fiction is written to evoke the feelings of the reader and give the sense that its characters and their experiences are a part of reality. The novel Fly Away Peter by David Malouf is a prime example of a fictional text that is presented as being real because of the way it is constructed. Through a variety of techniques including imagery, diction, symbolism and methods of characterisation the reader is presented with a number of characters that depict human life and experiences, in which the reader can relate to and accept as being real. Fly Away Peter presents a harsh and confronting picture of the experiences of war but also issues of class.
             Within the novel Fly Away Peter, issues of class are present between two characters, Jim Saddler and Ashley Crowther. The differences between Jim and Ashley also represent the differences between Australia and England at the time. Class distinctions between the two characters create a sense of realism for the reader, as they are able to relate and make sense of it. Jim Saddler is an ordinary man who is seen as inferior because of his lack of education and appearance. This is presented to the reader when the narrative voice describes Jim's appearance. " The young man stood, thin faced, heavy shouldered in worn moleskins and a collarless shirt." (Pg 14) The description of Jim's appearance is presented through the use of diction. The words 'worn' and 'collarless' portray a man of sub standards. This appearance of Jim is seen in opposition to Ashley Crowther, who is sophisticated and a well-educated man from England. His appearance is described to the reader at the beginning of chapter two. "...He wore the clothes-he was much addicted to waistcoats and watch chains." (Pg 14) Ashley is thus seen as superior because of his d...