Past the Shallows Lesson Plan

Describe the novel's narration and its overall style.

Past the Shallows is narrated in third person, but the focus shifts each chapter between Miles and Harry. The novel is written in simple prose, which is consistent with its young narrators' perspectives on the world. Parrett uses relatively short sentences and uncomplicated diction. This doesn't mean that the novel is overly simplistic, however. Parrett's style (particularly in the exposition passages) is reminiscent of ancient myths, which connects with the theme of Tasmania being "as old as the world."

Parrett plunges readers right into Miles and Harry's world and doesn't provide explanation of characters'...