The “Strangers” section in The Secret River reminded me over the opening scene of a movie. Its a gripping, unexpected scene that leaves the audience recoiling with questions, wondering how did we get here? And the explanation subsequently follows, the prologue-like backstory that is Part One.
Initially, that’s all I thought the “Strangers” section was: a plot device to keep the readers reading. But now I’m wondering if Grenville intended for her audience to make connections between the events and themes in both beginning parts.
One such theme could be the quality of belonging. In London, Thornhill wants to belong in his family and in a higher class. In Australia, he is thrust into an environment in which he does not belong, or maybe he sees otherwise. Another theme could be that of judgement and false perception. Most of the Londoners see Thornhill as a dirty thief, inhuman and immoral. Thornhill protests this treatment, but then inflicts the same judgment on the Aboriginal “stranger.”
Finally, the “Strangers” section could be placed to remind the readers about space, place, and ownership. Thornhill wants to acquire so much in his early life: a house, a boat, Sal, food, freedom, land. He wants to have things to his name. Yet many Aboriginal traditions do not view ownership the same way, especially of things like natural resources and land. Situating a scene by “Thornhill’s hut” on “Thornhill’s land” could hint at tension to come.
Hey Heather, up until this moment I didn't even notice that the beginning with the short chapter was even titled "Strangers." Now that I do know that, it sort of gives me a mental direction of what to think about that small little section. There are many ways (at least for now) that the word "Strangers" could be seen as: for one it could mean that Will and his family are strangers into this new world of Sydney, Australia. Or it could be referring to the stranger that Will saw when he went out of his little hut at night. Either way, the naming of this section does bring in a sense of mystery and causes readers to be intrigued. I found your insight into what you believe the strangers section might mean very enlightening and interesting.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! It's called Strangers, plural, not Stranger--how might that matter?
DeleteHi Heather! I really enjoyed reading your analysis about this opening section. What you said in the second paragraph really stood out to me, about how William hates being treated the way he is in London, yet he treats this Aboriginal person the same way. I think this could be an interesting theme, I hope as we read Grenville dives into this further! I think it could be an interesting conflict, even internally for him, if his hypocrisy is realized.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! I loved your insight into this section. I liked your connection to theme of judgement with Londoners, Thornhill, and the stranger. I didn't really think about Thornhill's status in London and Thornhill's judgement toward the stranger. I guess that judgement can be from anyone, even if they are judged. I'm excited to see how Grenville portrays this tension between the Aborigines and the English settlers and the complexities to come.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! You provide some really great analysis on the opening section, I love your takes on it! I never noticed the potential comparison of belonging between the two sections. I think you are definitely on to something with that because Will does come across as an outsider in both environments, though one is more foreign to him.
ReplyDeleteTerrific interpretive ideas here, Heather!
ReplyDelete