Empire of the sun- Main theme.

One main theme and focus of Empire Of the Sun is Jim's maturation from child to man during World War II. After the war begins and he is separated from his parents, he spends the remainder of the book trying to reunite with them and survive alone, finding himself in difficult situations. This is ironic as before he lived such a pampered, mollycoddled lifestyle. In the book it shows Jim adapting to different circumstances and progressing in maturity and initiative. He learns to survive the brutal conditions he faces and as a result of these experiences, he learns important lessons about himself and human nature. Perhaps if he'd had his parents with him he would have coped worse as he'd have had his mum and dad there to help him and do everything for him, like before. Whereas without his parents, he has been thrown into a stressful situation that demands initiative and maturity for any chance of survival. The whole focus of the story is showing Jim's coming of age and emotional intelligence.

Tash Beaumont :)