Empire of the Sun

Consider the leisure and educational activities organized by prisoners in the camp. How far can they be seen as they necessary consolations as opposed to dangerous distractions?

Consider the relationship between literature and autobiography. How far can Empire of the Sun be considered an autobiographical novel and how far can any such novel be faithful to the original experiences of the author?

How far does the imperative to survive necessitate selfish or immoral actions in a time of war? Discuss in connection with the behavior of Basie and Dr. Ransome and with respect to contemporary conflicts.

Do all cinematic depictions of war necessarily romanticize it? Discuss in connection with the role of film in the novel and in contemporary depictions of war in film.

Consider Jim’s evolving attitude toward death in the novel. Why does he come to believe, by the end of Part 3, that he and the other prisoners might already be dead?

Is experience more important than education in forging identity? Discuss in connection with Jim’s education in the camp and his conflicted cultural identity.

Consider the role of parental surrogates for Jim in the internment camp. How far do conditions in the camp, and the adults’ lack of authority there, render any surrogate imperfect?

How does Jim’s relationship to airplanes and pilots develop in the novel? In what ways it is analogous to a tragic love affair?