If you've spent any time at all looking over the themes of Abandonment and Family, one thing should be super clear to you: The characters in Jellicoe Road are seriously lacking functional authority figures in their lives. As a result, the friendships they form with each other are only more powerful and important.
In the past, the original five form their own family out of the tragic loss of their parents, while in the present day, Taylor's rivalry with the leaders of the Townies and Cadets transforms into a deep bond of unconditional friendship and love. Despite the passage of time, these abandoned characters turn to each other for emotional healing and connection in times of need.
Questions About Friendship
- If you were going to cast members of the 1980s Brat Pack as the original five, who would you choose for each role? If you have no idea what we're talking about, go watch The Breakfast Club and check back with us later.
- How do Taylor and her friends in the present resemble the original five from the past? Be specific and give evidence from the text.
- How do characters from both generations commit to sharing in each other's pain and helping each other heal?
- How do the territory wars and Taylor's search for her identity help her form greater connections with people?
Chew on This
The story of the original five ultimately helps Taylor want to connect with others and stop being a loner.
If the purpose of the territory wars was originally to play a game, Taylor and her friends accomplish this goal in the present day.