"Strangers" Opening Section
I'm someone who likes reading the opening of books, whether it be a "Forward" or "Author's Note," so I did read the beginning section of The Secret River, although I will admit, I kind of skimmed through it. However, upon reading the second section of the book and realizing its relation to the opening, I now have a better idea of its meaning and how it serves the novel.
First, I noted that the opening gives very little context. It's full of foreign images and leaves the reader feeling kind of confused and unsure of what to think, similar to how Thornhill must feel upon arriving to a new and foreign land. The section ends abruptly, leaving the reader uncertain for Thornhill's future. I think that this tone of uncertainty functions as a way to keep the reader engaged with the story and prompted to read more.
It also serves to introduce the relationship between the settlers and the Aboriginals; the meeting between Will and the aboriginal man serving as the start of a potential rocky situation between two totally different groups of people.
Hi Catalina! I read the opening part at first too and found it to be super confusing and slightly misleading. I haven't read far enough to notice its relevance yet but it gives me hope that you have discovered where it fits in with the story. I'm excited to learn more about the relationships between the two peoples.
ReplyDeleteHi Catalina! I think you're definitely right about the introduction being confusing on purpose. We feel lost in this chapter in a similar sense to Thornhill being lost in New South Wales. I also agree that it sets up the relationship between the aboriginal people and Thornhill. While the aboriginal man is unclothed Thornhill perceives himself to be far more exposed. But I think their relationship will be particularly interesting due to the fact that the aboriginal man clearly does not want Thornhill there, but Thornhill doesn't want to be there either. It also sets up the theme of home and what home is to different people. We see that Thornhill feels displaced and finds no comfort in this forigen land expect with his family and although different, in a sense this could relate him to the feeling of the displacement of the aboriginal people. I will be very interested to see how that relationship comes to work out and what New South Wales will offer Thornhill as far as a new home goes.
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis--I think you're right that the reader is meant to be as confused and displaced as Will is in this scene.
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