Themes
This theme deals with the beliefs of the Peaceful Family. Starting with Tommo's mom reassuring Big Joe that his father is "up there" or also known as him being in heaven. Then to the end where Charlies death to Tommo changes the way his beliefs are and makes Tommo stop thinking about the life after death picture.
What is the theme of religion.
This character feels guilt throughout the story surrounding his fathers death.
Who is Tommo?
This conflict is between these two Characters in the war which one uses their higher power to get the other character executed
What is Hanley and Charlie
This plot occurred in chapter one which is what makes Tommy feel much guilt over.
What is the death of Tommo’s father
Hope and belief in an afterlife
What are birds?
This theme shows us the importance of being able to move on from ones death and learning to not blame yourself of it or learning to not feel guilty. This is what Tommo learned to do once Charlie told him that his fathers death wasn't his fault.
What is the theme of Guilt/Greif?
This character was admired by Tommo, but didn't have the same feeling towards him. This character was also a good childhood friend of Tommo and Charlie.
Who is Molly?
This conflict makes this character feel left out from his close friendship
What is Tommo feeling left out of Molly and Charlie since he is younger?
This plot is the reason why Charlie is sent to war.
What is Charlie rescuing the dog and getting in trouble for it?
It symbolizes hope and strength, and most importantly a reminder of family
What does Oranges and Lemons symbolize?
This theme is all throughout the story, it is what Charlie is know for and he was executed for this. He showed many brave actions throughout the whole story.
What is the theme of courage/bravery?
This character is a brave and loyal throughout the story. This bravery helped Tommo survive the war and take new courage in himself.
Who is Charlie?
The conflict between these two characters is what gets one of them sent to war
What is the Colonel and Charlie?
This plot makes Tommo question heaven
What is the death of Anna?
The harsh realities of war
What are trenches?
This theme is about the cruelty of war and the reality of what war really is. This theme is about how the soldiers make sacrifices in which they get nothing in return.
What is the theme of injustice of the war?
This character always sang the song "Oranges and Lemons" in a way to comfort himself.
Who is Big Joe?
This conflict causes these two characters (Molly and Charlie) forbidden to see each other
What is the Colonel telling Molly’s parents Charlie is a bad influence?
This plot causes Charlie to be executed
What is Charlie staying in the dugout to stay by Tommo’s side since he is injured?
It symbolizes heaven.
What does Church Towers symbolize?
This theme is used amongst the "bullies" or also known as the antagonists. We had characters like Grandma Wolf, Colonel, and Sergeant Hanley. This is something that Sergeant did he used his force of power to get Charlie executed and to constantly harm him as well.
What is the theme of cruelty and power?
This character takes an interest in Tommo, and hit it off when they first met. Tommo later comes to find out that something tragic happened to them.
Who is Anna?
This conflict gets Molly kicked out of her home
What is Molly becoming pregnant with Charlie’s child?
This plot causes Tommo to stay strong through the war and make it out alive
What is Charlie’s execution?
What is Iddlesleigh?