The question of human identity and our role within the universe has always been a source of great debate and much contemplation. The quest to discover the 'essence' of our humanity is one of central concern in the novel Fly Away Peter by David Malouf. Through the central character's voyage of realisation, we are confronted with a deeply philosophical approach to the meaning of life and death. Whilst on the surface appearing very simplistic and straightforward, multiple themes are intertwined in the framework of the narrative. Jim Sadler's journey of self discovery provides a vehicle for the author to deliver his powerful messages portraying the transient nature of our existence. Specifically this is demonstrated through Jim's experiences in relation to the insignificance of individual life, the inevitability of death and the unstoppable movement of time. Fly Away Peter also explores the gender stereotype of the soldier and the influences of our experiences upon our sense of self, as Jim's military service essentially develops his inner consciousness.

In the opening section of the novel we are

His own life, neither more nor less important than the rest, even in his own vision of the thing, but unique because it was his head that contained it and in his views that all these balanced lives for a moment existed. (Page 117)

Jim, who till then had been merely drifting, and might have drifted as far as the city and become a mill-hand or a tram conductor, saw immediately the scope of it and felt his whole life change. (Page 4)

Jim is also influenced by the expectations of masculinity that are entrenched in being a soldier. The changes in Jim after his visit to Brisbane are very subtle, but at the same time should not be dismissed. These understated implications can be seen in 'where for two days now he had been nursing the beginning of a moustache.' (Page 42) However, it is not until Jim is fully engaged in the war that these examples become blatant and straightforward.

Malouf's Fly Away Peter questions the role of the individual within the great and boundless universe by providing an insight into the human mind. Through the life and death of a central character, our purpose within the world is queried, attacking the very heart of our existence. The novelist portrays mankind as being unique presences, shaped by our relationships and experiences, but ultimately controlled and brought together by the eternal cycle of nature. The reader is left to contemplate these ideas, placing them in the context of their own lives. Life is, in itself, a voyage of self discovery, and through Jim's journey we come to better understand, and accept, death, gain increased awareness of the insignificance of individual life and are exposed to the transient nature of our existence.

...but back, far back, into some pre-classical, pre-historic, primeval and haunted world.. in which the birds pointed out, and might almost have been calling up as he named them in a whisper out of the mists before creation, were extravagantly disguised spirits of another order of existence (Page 30)

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2051
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)