It's hard to keep plans after the apocalypse—that's one thing we know for sure. Set in the wake of World War III, On the Beach follows a group of Australians who are trying to live normal lives despite knowing that a massive radiation cloud is about to hit their country and kill them all. That's a bad thing, folks, in case you weren't sure. Some characters concoct fanciful plans in order to avoid this harsh reality. Some get depressed. Others take it as an opportunity to fulfill dreams that they would never have fulfilled otherwise. It's not a great situation, but everyone tries to make the most of it.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- How does each character respond to his or her future plans being dashed?
- Why is the Ferrari so important to John?
- What is the symbolism of the Holmes family's garden?
- What makes Moira's situation different from Peter's, Mary's, or Dwight's?