a theme within the book. alix

One theme within empire of the sun is the irony that Jim has to learn to live like the Chinese, in deprivation, when before, he didnt even realise what they were going through and would never have dreamed that he'd end up in their situation. This was becasue he lived such rich life before the war, and was spoilt to the extent that he was oblivious of anything other than his own pampered lifestyle. This is also quite ironic because he always had access to the news.

"Jim was glad when the newsreels were over, " tells us that Jim took it for granted and chose not to pay close attention. Had he done so however, he wouldve had a small insight into a world in which he was about to enter himself.