Canopy (ATOM Study Guide)

February 1942, and the Japanese invasion of Singapore in World War Two … an Australian fighter pilot shot down in combat awakens suspended in the treetops. As night devours day, he must navigate through dangerous jungle in search of sanctuary.

Transcending language and culture, Canopy (Aaron Wilson, 2013) explores the collision of war and nature, and its impact on humanity – the psychological effects of the sudden change in circumstance, injury, disorientation and fear on the individual’s psyche.

Through the story of Jim, the Australian airman, and Seng, the Chinese-Singaporean resistance fighter, Canopy explores on an intimate, small-scale level a common history between two countries forged through empire and war.

Curriculum Links

This study guide is mainly aimed at mid to senior secondary school levels, with relevance to English, Film Studies, History, Geography, Cultural Studies and Psychology.