MBJ - Chapter 16 (New Edition) by Jess Jess and Am

Chapter Summary: -Davy comes back from PNG, Helen has parties with military personnel. Davy goes to lunch with Jack and Sheila and Jack is angry and hurt, pleading for Davy to get him to war. Davy goes to the AWAS and meets Cressita Morely. Davy speaks to Brindsmead about Jack, but he says that Jack is useless for overseas service. Davy discovers that he could have gotten Jack into the war if he had requested it the first time Jack asked him. Davy meets with Jack and tells him that he can do service in Darwin, Jack is overjoyed. Then Davy goes to the USA to make contacts, he travels widely to cover the war and affairs with 'other Helens'. There is significant self-development and self-awareness. Davy receives a letter from Jack, saying that he has had a son and he is proud of Davy for his achievements.

Quotes: 'I looked after myself as carefully as I could, and if there were any unavoidable little periods of direct involvement I sedulously tried to observe Mr. Brewsters instruction and I stayed alive"......."If you are given the privilege of having your name in the papers everyday, and on your own terms, deception and self-aggrandizement are easy arts to practice" (page 320) These highlight Davy's cowardice and deception, he doesn't have a strong desire to help. Shows the contrast between him and Jack, as well as how his occupation allows him to hide his cowardice.

"Now listen Davy, he said, leaning across the table at me, keeping his voice low and taut, this time you got to do something sport.....while I sit here on my ass for three flammin' years" (page 322) Jack feels desperate and useless, sitting around is not part of his character. There is a switch of places between Jack and Davy from previous situations.

"Well it's nice to see that a womans place is still with a duster in her hand"...."It was very odd to hear the clear young girl voices calling the all familiar action cries that I had heard in quite different cirumstances" (both page 325) Shows Davy's attitudes towards women, and he believes that war is no place for women.

"Anyway, you wanted me to pull strings, and I did......" Conversation between Jack and Davy, when Davy explains that he got Jack a position at Darwin (page 330-331) Jack characteristics are shown. Deception shown by Davy, and the switch of places that allows us to see their true characters. Davy returns to guilty coward when he can't tell Jack the truth.

"I found it a pleasant war there.... And even when I finally did pull myself away my luck stood by me" (page 333) Contrast to how Davy feels later when he looks in the mirror. Self-satisfaction and self-importance, he doesn't want to fight in the war or for his marridge.

"and I met eager unstable women in flirtatious and brief liaisions and quick hot affairs....momentary company she would offer". "I would go out to one of those smart shops or to a bazzar, and I would buy some special present to send to Helen"(page 335) These show Davy's view of women and that he is not exactly guilty of his affairs. He only likes the idea of marridge and Helen and how they make him appear to others.

"Gradually i began to sense that already and delibarately....that what was lacking in it was the truth those other faces had for the passionate regard for the adventure in itself, and i knew that I was not quite one of them yet, that i never had been and that I never would be" (page 337-338) Mirror scene with Davy:Shows the contrast between Davy and Jack as well as the other soldiers. Davy sees himself for the first time, he almost has a longing to be like Jack and the other soldiers.

"As you are aware, we did not have very much of a chance ourselves in this respect.....I remember how I used to poke fun at you always stuck in that room with your books and your sonky mates....but then you have always been very popular in that quarter"(page 340-341) A letter from Jack to Davy; Jack is proud of Davy, but Davy doesn't want the respect as he feels it is undeserved.