Examine how the literary text “The Secret River” by Kate Grenville offers insights into the diverse perspectives and unique ways of thinking within a particular place and time.
The literary text, “The Secret River,” written by Kate Grenville, provides valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and unique ways of thinking during the settlement of Australia.
Set in the early 19th century, “The Secret River” explores the racial conflict and encounters between British convicts and Aboriginal Australians in the colonized land of Australia. Through the characters and their narratives, the novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the complex dynamics and differing perspectives that existed during that era. The protagonist, William Thornhill, is a British convict sent to Australia as a punishment of stealing and holds the belief that European cultures and values are superior; refusing to acknowledge, adapt and grow alongside the Aboriginal people of Australia. Clashes between the two groups as a result of cultural disparities brought the convicts with a sense of entitlement to the land, often disregarding the presence and rights of the Aboriginal people. This led to land dispossession, and clashes arising from differing customs and beliefs. These confrontations, occurring throughout this era, played a significant role in shaping the complex and troubled history between British settlers and Aboriginal Australians and builds our understanding of William Thornhill and his diverse perspectives and unique ways of thinking in the novel, “The Secret River.”
From the Aboriginal people’s perspective, the colonization explored in “The Secret River” represents a significant rupture in their way of life. Having a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land, which differed greatly from the British settlers, the colonization of Australia was founded on prejudiced standpoints. Viewing them as “savage,” and the embodiment of animalistic behaviours, Thornhill refused to recognise the significance of Aboriginal cultures. His personal “ownership” of land directly contrasts that of the Aboriginal people who believed to be “one with the land.” “…”
Many comparisons can be seen between the civilisations, especially exhibited by Thornhill’s and the Aboriginal man’s … son. Dick, Narrabi, and Garraway all innocently play together, where racial conflict was incomprehensible until the parents interrupt.The innocence of a child is typically associated with simplicity, which is seen in the bond between the children, indicating that these two cultures are congruous. Dick, as a child, shows an open attitude towards indigenous culture, as evidenced by his attempts to educate Thornhill how to pronounce indigenous names. “My name is Ngalamalum, Da.” Say it enough times and it becomes second nature.” Thornhill, on the other hand, is indifferent about learning the name, language and Aboriginal culture; imposing a traditional European name on Ngalamalum instead. Thornhill’s deliberate ignorance and blatant, intrinsic racism shapes our perception of him as a character.
Because of all the difficulties Thornhill experienced as a child, Grenville enables readers to empathize with him. William was constantly hungry because of the great poverty he endured, “He was always hungry. That was a fact of life: the gnawing feeling in his belly, the flat taste in his mouth, the rage that there was never enough.” The idea that Thornhill had his own terrible struggles in life allows us to see the “bigger picture,” understanding the reasons for why Thornhill acts and thinks in such a prejudiced, “black and white” manner.