Fly Away Peter

by

David Malouf

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Fly Away Peter makes teaching easy.

Wizzer Green Character Analysis

A man in Jim’s infantry who picks a fight with him for no apparent reason. Wizzer makes a point of tripping Jim, instigating a fierce standoff in which Jim feels as if he has to “defend” whatever it is about himself that has so offended Wizzer. Fortunately, Clancy steps in and battles Wizzer himself, though the fight is significantly less heated than it would have been if it had advanced with Jim. After this encounter, Jim avoids Wizzer because he’s frightened of the violent nature that the man awakes in him. However, the dynamic of their relationship shifts when they encounter each other during a chaotic night while running frantically about the battlefield after their company has been split up. Ducking into a pit for cover, Jim finds Wizzer in the dark. Unable to see one another, they start fighting, but Jim soon recognizes Wizzer and yells at him to stop. When they stop grappling, Jim tries to convince him to venture out of the pit with him, but Wizzer refuses, too afraid to risk his life even though staying put is more dangerous in the long run.
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Wizzer Green Character Timeline in Fly Away Peter

The timeline below shows where the character Wizzer Green appears in Fly Away Peter. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9
Boundaries and Perspective Theme Icon
Friendship and Human Connection Theme Icon
Innocence and Maturity Theme Icon
For some reason, a fellow soldier named Wizzer takes a disliking to Jim. Early on, Wizzer makes a point of tripping Jim, who... (full context)
Chapter 13
Language and Naming Theme Icon
Boundaries and Perspective Theme Icon
Time, Change, and Impermanence Theme Icon
Friendship and Human Connection Theme Icon
...moments with this unknown antagonist in the dark trench, Jim realizes he knows the man. “Wizzer!” he shouts, “it’s me, you mad bugger. Jim. A friend!” Astonished, the two men separate,... (full context)
Friendship and Human Connection Theme Icon
Innocence and Maturity Theme Icon
Jim tells Wizzer he’s leaving. Lifting himself toward the lip of the shell-hole, he looks back and says,... (full context)