Music on the Bamboo Radio
How does Nicholas Holford Change and Grow During the Novel Music on the Bamboo Radio?
Music on the Bamboo Radio is a story by Martin Booth. It is about a young boy, Nicholas Holford, who escapes from his home in Hong Kong during its occupation by the Japanese army in World War II. While experiencing the terrible atrocities resulting from this time, Nicholas grows in his understanding of the events occurring in his surroundings. As his comprehension of the truths of war evolves, his character changes. For instance, his confidence grows as he begins to perform more dangerous duties. He also becomes more independent with a stronger will to face his fear of the Japanese, and grows into a more mature person as he gains different kinds of experience.
One of the most important ways in which Nicholas grows is by developing a strong willed mind to face the Japanese soldiers. In the beginning of the story,
Nicholas hides in the bushes, crouching down and peeping at the Japanese.
After Nicholas is seen, they come over and aim a gun at him. He is very scared and doesn’t know what to do,
“His heart raced faster. He wanted to scream, jump up, should out, “It’s alright. It’s only me. Don’t shoot. I’m only eleven.” Page 3
Nicholas’s reaction shows fear and desperation. He acknowledges that he is simply an innocent kid when he thinks, “I’m only eleven.” At this point, Ah Kwan, one of his servants, quietly takes Nicholas away from the bushes and into the safety of his home. This shows that Nicholas is innocent, weak minded and dependent on others. After he escapes his home, he starts to feel more self-assured and strong-minded. Shortly after, on the third encounter with the Japanese, Nicholas shows more confidence and comfort in their presence. He is composed, and even shows some good humor while observing some Japanese soldiers.
“The scene was, Nicholas thought, like a little tableau being put on for his entertainment.” Page 65
Here, Nicholas no longer reacts to the
Music on the Bamboo Radio is a story by Martin Booth. It is about a young boy, Nicholas Holford, who escapes from his home in Hong Kong during its occupation by the Japanese army in World War II. While experiencing the terrible atrocities resulting from this time, Nicholas grows in his understanding of the events occurring in his surroundings. As his comprehension of the truths of war evolves, his character changes. For instance, his confidence grows as he begins to perform more dangerous duties. He also becomes more independent with a stronger will to face his fear of the Japanese, and grows into a more mature person as he gains different kinds of experience.
One of the most important ways in which Nicholas grows is by developing a strong willed mind to face the Japanese soldiers. In the beginning of the story,
Nicholas hides in the bushes, crouching down and peeping at the Japanese.
After Nicholas is seen, they come over and aim a gun at him. He is very scared and doesn’t know what to do,
“His heart raced faster. He wanted to scream, jump up, should out, “It’s alright. It’s only me. Don’t shoot. I’m only eleven.” Page 3
Nicholas’s reaction shows fear and desperation. He acknowledges that he is simply an innocent kid when he thinks, “I’m only eleven.” At this point, Ah Kwan, one of his servants, quietly takes Nicholas away from the bushes and into the safety of his home. This shows that Nicholas is innocent, weak minded and dependent on others. After he escapes his home, he starts to feel more self-assured and strong-minded. Shortly after, on the third encounter with the Japanese, Nicholas shows more confidence and comfort in their presence. He is composed, and even shows some good humor while observing some Japanese soldiers.
“The scene was, Nicholas thought, like a little tableau being put on for his entertainment.” Page 65
Here, Nicholas no longer reacts to the