Context
The novel Tomorrow When The War Began reflects on Australian context by using language that is specifically Australian. This language takes the form of both informal and colloquial language, thus engaging the reader and forming a strong bond between the characters and the audience. For example Australian expressions like; G’day, barbie, Landie, mongrel, rack off and bloody ladder are littered throughout the text. This conversational style typifies the relaxed atmosphere associated with Australia.
The writer, John Marsden, uses the behaviours of native animals as similes to describe the characters. “ Chatting like cockatoos” describes the group as they were talking and walking down the road to Hell and Marsden likens the characters going away to feral animals going bush.
Many places in the novel have indigenous names, or reference to our indigenous population, that reflect on the Australian heritage. The opening scene sees Ellie sitting on a fallen tree, not one that is eaten by witchetty grubs, the Landie kangaroo hopping a few metres then stalling, Wombegonoo was where the Hermit from the story had once lived and there is reference to the thoughts and actions of koories as well as the setting of the text, being Wirrawee, assuming an indigenous name.
As an Australian, all of these typically native features help to form and cement a strong bond. Australians share a love of ‘slang’ language, colourful similes and our indigenous people, all of which are evident in this text.
