1. Compare how Vera Brittain and J.G Ballard present the theme of
Loss in ‘Testament of Youth’ and ‘Empire of the Sun’
I have decided to compare Extract 4 from Testament of Youth (TOY) and Extract
13 from Empire of the Sun (EOS). The reason as to why I have chosen these two
in particular is because I feel that they both signify a loss of normality and
stability. Firstly, there are many differences we must initially consider to begin
with; TOY is more of an autobiography, and EOS is an autobiographical novel.
The most distinct difference between the two would be the timings in which they
are set. TOY is based on World War I – the early twentieth century, and EOS is
based on World War II – the late twentieth century. Which in terms of their
linguistic techniques, and their style of writing, diachronic language change
becomes apparent when comparing. For example, Vera is much more emotive
than Ballard. Vera’s style is that of a first person narrative, however, Ballard has a
third person narrative. Also, Vera can be seen as the narrator, and Jim as the
protagonist. These two extracts are from pages 174-5 (TOY) and pages 265-7
(EOS) where we initially learn about the effects of loss in two different places, in
two different wars, and the responses of the narrator/protagonist to these
situations.
In Shanghai the war is coming to an end as the Japanese are losing, leading to
extreme lack of food and supplies – not only for the prisoners, but for the guards
also. Jim soon becomes dehydrated and begins to hallucinate as his fragile body
becomes weaker and weaker. Marching into the Olympic Stadium we - as the
reader - are welcomed into the world that Jim had forgotten about. It was full
with pieces of furniture and belongings that had been taken from the houses in
the International Settlement, houses exactly like Jim’s. They are slowly
approaching the historic event of the Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima of 1945. Jim has
stated his beliefs of becoming an atheist but soon describes this event as though
he was dying and going to heaven. Vera also refers to her loss of beliefs in Extract
5. Vera has very much been protected and cushioned by her parents throughout
her whole life, but as she becomes a mature young lady we can see her mature
and begin to experience life herself, and this is what war has brought to her. She
has her first misunderstanding with Roland which causes Vera to severely doubt
their compatibility; however, she has always admired the courageous women
that have a husband out fighting for their country, and it is still something she
desires. It is 1915 and only the beginning of the war and of what is to come, the
English and French troops are sat in their trenches waiting for battle. Vera later
begins to lose the stability of her mind and nears depression.