could be anything
Why does Fin question the government's handling of the disaster?
Fin believes their responses are inadequate and misleading.
1. Policemen coming into his home and asking about his food supply
2. Army not returning with supplies
3. chapter 29: Not allowing people to enter the Sydney CBD
What external event disrupts Fin's internal sense of normalcy at the start of the novel?
The nuclear disaster.
What difficult decision does Fin make to protect his loved ones during the crisis?
He chooses to leave behind the safety of his home in search of a safer place for his family and friends.
What choice does Fin make that sets the tone for his character arc?
He decides to leave his home and seek safety elsewhere. He does this for his younger brother Max
What event marks the beginning of the novel’s central conflict?
The nuclear disaster and subsequent power outage.
How does Claire Zorn use shifting narrative perspectives and tone to enhance the emotional depth and tension in The Sky So Heavy?
Claire Zorn uses a close third-person perspective focused on Fin, allowing readers to experience his growing anxiety and fear as the world around him deteriorates. The tone shifts from moments of quiet reflection to high tension during scenes of danger, mirroring Fin’s internal struggle. Zorn's use of economical diction, imagery, cremamorphism, zoomorphia (etc) emphasises the bleakness of the landscape and the emotional weight of survival. The shift in tone—from hopeful to desperate—create a sense of unpredictability, keeping the reader engaged while reflecting the uncertainty of the characters' world.
How does the landscape reflect Fin’s inner turmoil?
The bleak and cold setting mirrors his feelings of isolation and fear.
What is Fin’s biggest personal sacrifice during the story?
Leaving behind the idea of a normal life to face the harsh realities of survival.
Why does Fin choose to trust Lucy, despite the growing uncertainty around them?
He trusts her because of their past connection and shared experiences.
What does the constant cold weather symbolise?
The harshness and bleakness of the new world Fin must navigate.
What key moment shows Fin gaining insight into his own fears and desires through his interactions with others?
Fin’s realization that his desire to protect Lucy outweighs his own survival instinct is a pivotal moment in his character development. In a world where survival often demands selfishness, Fin’s growing attachment to Lucy pushes him to confront his deeper emotions. He recognises that his fear of losing her is greater than his fear of physical harm or death. This insight into his own vulnerability and capacity for love marks a shift in his priorities—from self-preservation to the well-being of those he cares about (this love also extends to Max). It also reveals that his internal world, previously ruled by fear and uncertainty, now has room for compassion and connection. This understanding reshapes his sense of purpose in the midst of chaos, transforming his survival journey into a moral quest to ensure that his loved ones are safe.
How does Fin’s perception of other survivors change as the story progresses?
He becomes more suspicious and wary, reflecting his growing distrust and loss of innocence.
How does Lucy demonstrate the theme of sacrifice in moments of crisis?
By staying with Fin and supporting him despite the dangers.
What is one choice Fin regrets during the novel?
Fin regrets trusting strangers during a key moment when he’s trying to secure food and safety for his group. His trust leads them into a dangerous situation, where they are betrayed and forced to defend themselves. This experience makes Fin more cautious about who he can rely on, but also fills him with guilt for putting his loved ones at risk. He learns the hard way that not everyone can be trusted in moments of crisis.
How does the road trip symbolise a deeper internal journey for Fin?
It represents his search for purpose and identity in a world turned upside down. It represents Fin's character development as he bonds with Lucy & Arnold which makes him discover more about himself.
How does Fin’s journey into the wilderness represent his deeper emotional and psychological state?
Fin’s journey into the wilderness is symbolic of his internal struggle, reflecting both his feelings of isolation and his search for meaning in a world that has lost its structure. The desolate, barren landscape mirrors his sense of hopelessness and despair, as he grapples with the breakdown of society and the uncertainty of survival. The harsh conditions, coldness, and emptiness echo his inner turmoil, as he feels disconnected from the life he once knew and unsure of his place in the new world. However, this physical journey also provides him with the space for introspection. Away from the distractions and pressures of societal norms, Fin is forced to confront his fears, his moral dilemmas, and his evolving identity. The wilderness becomes a testing ground for his resilience, pushing him to grow emotionally and psychologically. Through the loneliness and struggle, Fin gains clarity about his values, his relationships, and the sacrifices he must make, ultimately emerging stronger and more self-aware.
What key moment shows Fin gaining insight into his own fears and desires through his interactions with others?
When Fin realizes his desire to protect Lucy outweighs his own survival instinct.
Why is the concept of sacrifice crucial to Fin’s moral development?
It forces him to prioritise others’ well-being over his own desires, leading him to moral growth.
How do Fin’s choices reflect his changing view of authority and society?
Provide an example from the text
He becomes more independent and critical, no longer relying on external structures to guide him. He takes matter into his own hands -bringing along a gun, disguising himself as a soldier and infiltrates the community hall.
What event symbolizes Fin's transition from a passive character to an active one?
When Fin decides to take matters into his own hands, leaves the safety of the camp and lead the remainder of the group out of the city.
What theme is this quote trying to convey?
"Why do you think people are willing to get shot trying to get to the other side? That's why we left; It's the only chance we've got."
Thought you might be, you know, an Illegal from the West... It's so wrong, I mean, what right do they think they've got to come across and take food that is ours?"
What literary style/technique is evident in the quote? Explain it's effect
The refugee experience
T:Juxtaposition/E: Many Australians empathized with refugees fleeing dangerous circumstances, while others viewed them with suspicion and hostility, framing them as a burden or threat to national resources. This dual perspective highlights the moral complexities surrounding the refugee experience and the broader societal implications of immigration policy.
T: Irony E: Refugees of war are condemned for taking food and resources while risking their lives to survive—echoes the attitudes of some Australians during the refugee crisis. Critics often labeled asylum seekers as "illegals" or "queue jumpers," failing to acknowledge the extreme circumstances that forced them to seek refuge. This reflects a societal tendency to overlook the humanity of those fleeing danger, emphasizing a broader issue of moral responsibility in the face of desperation.
T: Rhetorical Q/ E: similar questions emerged regarding why people would risk everything to reach Australia
How does Fin’s journey into the wilderness represent his deeper emotional and psychological state?
The desolation around him mirrors his sense of hopelessness but also allows for introspection and growth.
How does the act of giving up one’s desires in a moment of crisis create a sense of morality within the characters?
It tests their character, pushing them to choose between selfishness and altruism, thus developing their moral integrity.
How do the choices of other characters like Arnold influence Fin’s decisions?
Arnold’s selfish actions push Fin to make more selfless choices in contrast, highlighting his moral growth.
How does the final confrontation symbolise the culmination of the novel’s themes of authority, sacrifice, and identity?
The final confrontation brings together all the key themes by forcing Fin to confront both external forces of authority and his own internal moral compass. As Fin faces corrupt figures of authority who are abusing their power, he must decide whether to comply or rebel. His choice to stand up against them, despite the personal risk, symbolises his break from passive complicity and his rejection of unjust ideologies. This act requires a deep personal sacrifice—giving up safety and security to protect others and do what is morally right. Ultimately, the confrontation solidifies Fin’s identity, as he transitions from a confused teenager to a morally aware individual who makes hard decisions based on his values. His journey from questioning authority to embracing sacrifice reflects his full growth as a character.