Empire of the Sun (ATOM Study Guide)

Introduction

Empire of the Sun is both history and autobiography, novel and film. These Study Notes are intended to generate discussion and activity for secondary students in English, History and Media Studies. Although the main character in Empire of the Sun is in early adolescence, the subject matter and film length (two and a half hours) may make it more suitable for junior students. 

The questions here are starting points only. Extension of these could further study of the author J.G. Ballard, comparative analysis of the films of Steven Spielberg, historical research into the origins of the war in the Pacific or literary and film representations of prisoners of war.