Jim's progression from "a state of innocence" in the novel "Fly Away Peter" by David Malouf.

The novel Fly Away Peter shows us Jim's progression from "a state of innocence" to a different understanding of himself and the world. Discuss "Fly Away Peter by David Malouf is a study of life; charting Jim's journey from innocence into the horror and brutality of World War One, and of human nature. On his arrival to the trenches it is as if Jim has opened his eyes for the first time, and only then …

…he had indeed been living "in a state of dangerous innocence". His innocence was dangerous because he had no knowledge of the perils or the differences there were outside of the sanctuary and Australia. 'Fly Away Peter' examines the universal theme of life; losing innocence in fav1our of intelligence and experience. Like Jim, we continually need to reevaluate our stance and consider our opinions afresh, so as not to endanger ourselves by our ignorance.