The first half of part 1 deals with the everyday struggle of survival

Food –

Water –

Cleaning –

Mental Health –

Space –

“Time passed long and gruelling, filled with intimations of death” – page 29

Out of control vs. sensible

One has the character traits to survive

William –selfish, greedy, hyperactive, naïve, ignorant, annoying

Catherine – quiet, calm, forward-thinking, patient, careful, mature

They soon realize Catherine is the only one who isn‟t contaminated

This becomes a realization that she is the only one who will survive

Everything becomes a plan to help her survive

Realization of dust on page 36

“For Catherine‟s sake she would do what she had to” – page 51

Page 42

Done to „put him out of his misery‟ or to stop reminding them of what used to be?

Buster was their last link to the past – last remaining segment of their lives.

Killing him = starting new life

“Buster died with a yelp, was buried in the cabbage page…”

“It would be a relief” – page 52

Veronica realizes it is a hopeless situation

Commits suicide rather than succumb to radiation

The constant voice of cynicism – realist?

No tearful goodbyes

“(William and Catherine) asked no questions” – page 53

The characters all lose faith – eventually realize nothing will be the same

Loss of feelings

“If I could feel… I think he would break my heart” – Veronica, page 49

A physical AND mental shift

“There was nothing to do, nothing to live for” Page 49

“He could play with them… perhaps he would be happy before he died” – Page 54

Why did they stop the kids?

Survival of the fittest

Old world morals and beliefs meet new hope – Catherine humanity‟s last chance

“Ted won‟t stop you. He‟s not a bad man.” –Mrs Porter, page 57

A land of milk and honey or a cramped place to survive?

The best option?

“It was a good place in which to survive” –page 60

“We‟ll make it” – Johnson, page 61

“And this was the beginning of a brave new world” – page 61

Who is “Him”?

“For in the end people turned to Him” – page 39

“He won‟t help you!” – page 57

Are they simply talking about Johnson?