English Studies – Single Text Essay
             Question: It is the repetitions and contrasts in the events, characters, settings or use of language in a test which often guide our understanding of it. In what ways did the repetitions and contrasts in Fly Away Peter guide your understanding?
             Fly Away Peter is a novel which is defined by the contrasts and repetitions which develop the storyline and give insight in to the important messages contained in the book. Malouf develops contrasts and repetitions in the characters and events to shape the story and the message it delivers.
             Jim is without doubt the central character in the book. Malouf chooses not to reveal too much of Jim's past. The reader is only provided with brief insights into a few key events in Jim's life such as the death of his brother and the cruel treatment he suffered at the hand of his father.
             Rather, Malouf focuses the reader's attention on Jim's current journey and discovering. This is how the reader builds a relationship and understanding of Jim and can build for them selves an understanding or interpretation of Jim's past.
             Jim becomes the key instrument which Malouf uses to display both the continuity and contrast of life which is the key idea developed throughout Fly Away Peter.
             Malouf initially portrays Jim as an innocent profile surrounded by birds and the land and a sense of calm. Jim opposition to anger and aggression are developed early on in the book and are contrasted against Jim's father who holds a bitter grudge and resentment.
             It is during Jim's trip to Brisbane that a change of direction can be observed. It is also the period when Jim begins to experience the real world and his innocence starts to fade. His trip heralds an upcoming change in direction.
             While Jim's clearly does not share the same enthusiasm or patriotism for way he still
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