Loyalty

Loyalty to one’s country and to fellow prisoners is tested in this novel. Jim does not feel any loyalty to the British during the war. He actually entertains thoughts of joining the Japanese Air Force instead of the Royal Air Force. Part of the reason Jim identifies more with the Japanese than the British is because they’ve had such a strong authoritative role in his life. They’ve made him do things that nearly killed him and to make sense of it, Jim identifies with them. Jim also doesn’t have strong loyalty to the British because the British prisoners are the least willing to contribute and work.

Many prisoners also feel no loyalty to each other. Jim’s roommates don’t help him when he contracts pneumonia and seem to wish he would die. Basie sends Jim on “errands” that put his life at risk...