On The Beach

Exposition

The author is: Nevil Shute
On the beach is a story about a nuclear war between Russia and Egypt. The main characters are:
*Peter Holmes
* Dwight Towers
* Mary Holmes
*Jennifer Holmes
*Julian Osborne’s
* Moira Davidson  
They were in Melbourne, Australia
Complication:
The war begins because there was a misunderstanding between Russia and U.S.A. nuclear war hasdestroyed the Northern Hemisphere, and radioactive dust is drifting south at a steady rate. In less than one year, the radioactive cloud will reach those living in southern Australia.
Peter Holmes, aLieutenant Commander in the Australian navy, is appointed as a liaison officer to the U.S.S. Scorpion an American nuclear submarine. Captained by Commander Dwight Towers.

Rising Action:
Thesubmarine sets out for an eleven-day cruise up the coast of Australia to look for traces of life. The only living creature they see on the entire voyage is a single dog.
Climax:
The radiation is nowsupposed to arrive in Melbourne in August, and the residents of the city are beginning to slow down and do what they really want to do in their final days. John races his Ferrari in the qualifying heatsfor the Australian Grand Prix. Many drivers take big risks and are killed in the race, but many consider such a death preferable to radiation sickness.

Resolution:
By the end of August, everyonebecomes ill from the radiation. John takes a cyanide pill. Peter euthanized Jennifer, and then he and Mary take pills together in bed. Dwight dies while performing what he sees as his finalduty—sinking the Scorpion in international waters, going down with the ship. Moira had hoped to go onboard with Dwight, but he refused her, saying that the U.S. Navy would not approve. Instead, Moira drives toa cliff overlooking the ocean to watch the submarine go out to sea. Sitting in her car, watching the ship go down, she takes her final pill with a shot of brandy.

Juan Sebastián Affranchino