Elephant Run

“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. 

“Something yellowish, dense, as big around as a lamppost appeared from behind the house, followed by a massive gray trunk, then a head ears, legs the size of small trees. The biggest animal he had ever seen stepped out into the open [...] Hannibal.” 

This is the first image of Hannibal, the volatile bull elephant that was captured on the day of Nick’s birth. Hannibal could have killed Nick in this moment, but he walks away instead. Hannibal’s behavior throughout the novel is representative of the unexpected ways people break away from other’s expectations. 

“It's tradition! Women are not allowed to become mahouts. It's bad luck to even think about it!” 

Nang says this to Mya early in the novel. Mya desperately wants to become a mahout, but her father and many others in the village antagonize her for being a woman and deny her access to the elephants. Indaw eventually helps Mya break tradition and follow her dreams. 

“Every time I come here I am reminded just how tough the Sergeant Major was [...] this island is your grandfather's heart, and it beats in both of us.” 

Jackson says this to Nick as they stand in the undeveloped jungles of Freestone Island. This jungle reminds them both of the world that Sergeant Major came into to build Hawk’s Nest and of their own resilience many generations later. The island becomes symbolic of that resilience for Nick and Jackson.  

“His father was taking a stand. Why wouldn't he allow Nick to take a stand with him?” 

Nick asks himself this question just before the Japanese invade and capture his father and Indaw. Nick is frustrated that his father won’t allow him to stay behind and fight for Burma and Hawk’s Nest. Soon enough, Nick realizes why his father wanted him removed to safety. 

“Hanging above the porch was a huge Japanese flag, its red sun fluttering in the warm breeze. Beneath it were two dead bodies. Nang and Captain Josephs. Nang had been horribly beaten and was barely recognizable. Captain Josephs had been decapitated.” 

This is Nick’s first view of Hawk’s Nest after the Japanese invade. It is clear that a brutal conflict had transpired the day before. The image of the bodies on the porch is Nick’s first inkling of what the Japanese are willing to do to take power. 

“You are no longer the little master of this house.” 

Bukong says this to Nick as he throws him into his old nursery, a room that becomes Nick’s prison cell at Hawk’s Nest. Bukong’s lack of loyalty shocks Nick, but he soon learns the reasons behind his anger. This phrase indicates the overturning of power in the house and throughout Burma. 

“[Sonji] was the most unlikely soldier [...] he wasn't violent.”

Sonji takes care of Nick for many months at Hawk’s Nest and turns out to be one of the only soldiers who acts mercifully toward the prisoners. Nick’s association of soldiers with violence indicates the brutality of this war and Sonji’s difference in temperament and values. 

“Instead of being a servant, Mya, you will have servants. I will make you the queen of Hawk's Nest.” 

Bukong says this to Mya when he proposes marriage, after Nang and Kin-Kin have died. Mya is appalled by his proposal. Bukong’s desire to take power falls in line with the themes of colonization and Burmese independence—Bukong does not realize he won’t live to see Burma liberated. 

“As a foreigner, he wanted a place to hide if things took a turn for the worse.” 

This quote references the Sergeant Major and the elaborate system of tunnels he built within and below Hawk’s Nest. Though the Sergeant Major didn’t need to use them in his own lifetime for an emergency escape, his caution saves the lives of future generations of Freestones. 

“It was clear the Burmese were not going to be given their independence. Apparently, the Japanese slogan Asia for Asians meant, Asia for Asians of Japanese descent [...] There was talk among the mahouts of joining the British and American armies.” 

This quote reflects the upturning of power in Burma and the way that the Japanese misrepresented their own desire to liberate Burma from British rule. The Burmese mahouts eventually realize that fighting their new colonizers, the Japanese, is the only way to find their independence. 

“The room had always been a place of power, a place where fates were decided under the British and now under the Japanese.” 

Mya is wary entering the library at Hawk’s Nest—not only because the Colonel could enter but also because of the power the room has always contained, wielded first by the British and now by the Japanese. This moment indicates Mya’s lack of agency as a Burmese woman and the colonial forces that have subjugated her and her people for generations. 

“[H]e remembered what his father had said on Freestone Island about the Sergeant Major's heart beating in their chests. Nick could feel it.” 

This quote echoes an earlier one about Freestone Island and generational strength. Nick remembers his father’s words through conflict in order to maintain his strength and continue fighting. Without this reminder of his family’s strength, Nick likely wouldn’t have been able to go on. 

“And there is more to it than cutting hair. If we happen to encounter soldiers, they will be […] very familiar with Buddhist practices. To be convincing, you must not only look like novices, you must act like novices.” 

Hilltop initiates Mya and Nick into Buddhism in order to hide them on their ride through the jungle. They must cut their hair and eyebrows, wear robes, and act like Buddhist novices. This quote emphasizes the way that Buddhism’s peaceful principles can overcome the violence of war. 

“‘And like all wars,’ Hilltop said, ‘when it's over, people will wonder why it was even fought. Senseless.’” 

Hilltop speaks to Magwe and the two children as they plan to escape Hawk’s Nest. He is disgusted by the senselessness of war, particularly the violence that has ended so many innocent lives. Hilltop’s stance on conflict is clear in this moment; even formerly power-hungry Magwe agrees. 

“And it was all about power. Big and little power. Who had it, how much, and how long it would last.” 

Hilltop reflects on power as he walks through the POW camps looking for Indaw. This thought connects to his earlier ideas about the senselessness of war—it is not a fight for anything substantial, only intangible, fleeting power. 

“Colonel Nagayoshi promised to punish you if Indaw tried to escape. It’s their family members that keep the mahouts there, not the guards.” 

Kya Lei discusses the mahouts at the POW camps. Though they work for nothing and their elephants suffer, Kya Lei makes it clear that it is fear for their family’s safety that keeps them imprisoned. This speaks to the power of family bonds and the manipulative tactics of the Japanese. 

“He had been dreaming about the camp graveyard [...] The bamboo crosses seemed to stretch for miles. There were grave diggers wielding shovels and picks [...] The man in the grave was his father.” 

Nick wakes from a horrible dream and wanders through the jungle looking for water. He is traumatized by the violence his father has experienced and the death of so many innocent men. 

“The soul does not have a nationality.” 

Hilltop asks Sergeant Sonji if he will help rescue Jackson. Sonji knows it is the right thing to do but fears the repercussions of a treasonous act. Hilltop appeals to his morality, knowing that Sonji will act from his soul. 

“Just remember this, Mya. We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” 

Hilltop and Mya’s conversation is a poignant moment of Buddhist philosophy. Hilltop reminds Mya that her thinking can change the world around her—this is both empowering and reassuring in a moment of fear and uncertainty. 

“‘Burma is where I will die,’ Hilltop said [...] ‘I have lived my life [...] Now you go off and live yours.’” 

This moment comes after Bernard and Kya Lei have rescued the others. Hilltop refuses to leave Burma and his elephant behind. He has fulfilled his purpose and insists on dying in the country where he has made his home. 

“It's time we give Burma back to the Burmese.” 

Jackson says this to Nick after a bomb destroys Hawk’s Nest at the end of the war. It has always been Jackson’s philosophy that Burma belongs to the Burmese, and he is only a visitor. His respect for their independence usurps his own desire to go back to the only home he’s ever known.