Elephant Run

“When the all-clear siren sounded, they walked calmly up the stairs to the street. Some of the people made jokes, others talked about the weather or food rationing.” 

When Nick is still living in London, he reflects on the strange experience of Londoners acting as if regular bombings of their city were entirely normal, choosing to talk about the weather as they emerge from the subway tunnels. 

“Mr. Freestone also believes Burma should be an independent country, governed by its own people. He has been quietly working on this for many years.” 

In this quote, Nang argues on behalf of Jackson. He claims that Jackson is an advocate for the Burmese and not a British enemy of the natives like so many others. Ironically, when the Japanese arrive, they are much crueler leaders, and those who betrayed Jackson regret their decision.  

“You’ll use [the knife] like all Freestone’s have used it.” 

In this chapter, Jackson gives him the ivory knife that the Sergeant Major carved many generations before. This knife becomes a symbol of Nick’s connection to his family and his great-grandfather’s resilient spirit.