Themes Nation (novel)

three major themes run throughout book: movement child identity received adult identity self-created; relationship between individual , society; , nature of struggle between science , religion.

the child-to-adult theme repeated in story of mau, of ermintrude/daphne, , of nation whole. mau starts typical (if unusually thoughtful) island boy , have been satisfied walk well-worn path of forefathers. instead, because of wave , consequences, has prolonged moment between shell of boy soul , shell of man soul, , chooses larger soul. mau reinvents himself leader , protector of people.

ermintrude starts story child, subjected many standards must maintained. high-born daughter, isn t permitted learn useful or forward marriage. on island, realizes there no 1 herself create standards. instinctively renames herself daphne upon introducing herself mau; island first real opportunity make wishes of herself. daphne lets sense , kindness guide, whether means wearing grass skirt, pre-chewing food old woman, or poisoning murderer.

the nation moves childhood adulthood under new leadership. before wave, mau , other survivors had followed simple faiths , believed asking of questions pastime children. nation rebuilds, survivors sort through religious crisis. ultimately, nation leaves childishness behind, refusing either primitive or colonial. forges new path , takes place among nations leader in science.

the second theme asks means have nation. word nation used primitively underscore idea nation fundamentally undefinable god or earth. mau island society no poet needs point out no man island ; in nation, individual s place in society fundamental taken granted. mau thinks of himself man/boy without soul, has become man without country. when saves daphne s life, says saved life because boy alone nothing, 2 of them nation. @ end of story, when survivors have secured survival of new nation, mau gets tattoo gives him man-soul.

being part of nation requires great sacrifice. when first canoe of survivors arrives, clear baby die unless can find milk. mau risks life , sacrifices dignity in order milk wild pig. commentators have noted milking wild pig in order save fledgling nation opposite lord of flies, using pigs central descent savagery. daphne, has adopted nation own, sacrifices innocence when kills in order protect nation. knowing duties, mau , daphne part ways in order fulfill roles leaders.

the concept of nation can extended embrace of humanity, anchoring nation in philosophy of humanism answer question role of individual in society? tiffany aching series, nation contains undercurrent of passive faith transforming active scientific enquiry, without losing moral dimensions in process. pratchett reinforces theme offhand reference outspoken atheist , humanist richard dawkins nice professor dawkins (who bitten tree-climbing octopus).

like tiffany, mau , daphne resourceful , logical, penchant questioning authority. rooted homes, , awakening of science not change how mau feels home or people. indeed, when casts aside superstitions , explores forbidden cave of ancestors, finds there both more truthful , more inspiring. pratchett s books distinguished manner in logic warmly paired humanism , abiding loyalty. example, when mau risks life save nation (whether defined daphne, baby, or of survivors whole), not see heroism because thinks merely trying save himself. without others give life meaning, mau s own life meaningless. tiffany, mau, , daphne tolerant of religious beliefs, meaning care meaning people create each other.