The Secret River Review Thornhill’s Place

Summary: Seasons passed by, and Thornhill expanded his land to 300 acres, calling it Thornhill’s Creek William Thornhill was powerful, and considered a “king” of the land The land he claimed was turned into a fortress, killing any aboriginal who came close to his borders

William felt disappointed in succeeding his dream for power, almost empty in contrast Sal’s love had faded for him long ago and her dream to return to England has long faded. Thomas Blackwood and William meet on occasion, yet they cannot see eye to eye William is aging, and is still always looking out to defend his ‘land’.

Core facts Thornhill accomplished his desire to be rich and powerful He has now got warmth, security and freedom from poverty. However, it is not all as he seemed, as there is a constant danger from invaders of his acres, and he feels empty inside. He has fully fortified his land to prevent aboriginals from entering.

Sal and Thornhill loves has faded away and also his relationship with his son William’s. Dick went to work for Blackwood to export rum across the river, and cannot meet his father in the eye for the actions he has undertaken. William seems to always be haunted by his past experiences, and the people roaming the land

Quotes 1. “And while Blackwood could not meet his eye, Dick would not.” (p.g 326) 2. “Unmolested, their crops and families flourished.” (p.g 313) 3. “Devine was full of ways to make the place a fortress” (p.g 315) 4. “She went about her life as she always had. She continued to make the marks on the tree, but the idea of going home gradually became fader.” (p.g 317) 5. “Even then he sat on, watching into the dark.” (p.g 334) 6. “He could not understand why it did not feel like a triumph” (p.g 334)

Analyzing quotes: 1. Dick was ashamed of his fathers previous actions, and so decided to grow up without the assistance of his father. 2. This displays that they achieved a flourishing land, which is made from the hard work of Thornhill, and the actions he undertook. 3. This shows that the land had another insight, which was for the defense against the aboriginal people.

4. This shows the fading love between Sal and Will, as her eventual loss for her wish led to the loss of her love for him. 5. He is always looking out for the threat of the aboriginal people who may invade his land, which continues to be an ongoing issue. 6. This leads to how he worked so hard for this conquest, and yet he was reminded by the deaths of the people he had slain to lead him to his success.

Characters Will – Although Will is powerful and rich, he feels empty inside, making his accomplishments feel like nothing, as well as sorrow for his son (Dick) growing up before him who is out of his reach. Sal – Sal has lost love for Will, and her dream is all but faded as time passed. She’s gotten older, and has realized she is going to die in the land she never wanted to stay at.

Dick – The 18 year old is disgusted at the slaughter that his father, Will, undertook during his conquest for power, so has abandoned the Thornhill’s for Blackwood, who respects the aboriginal people. Blackwood – Blackwood does not mention the acts that William has done, yet he feels disappointment for his actions. They speak purely on a business level, and all forms of friendship have faded away with the passing years.

Link - Prologue The quote “watching in the dark” is about waiting for another encounter of the man which appeared in the prologue. “Every day he sat here, watching, waiting, while dusk gathered in the valley, scanning the trees and the silent rocks” This is referencing the prologue as he is waiting for the aboriginal man to be seen, and the lack of this person leads to the emptiness which is shown throughout the chapter. “The one thing that brought him a moment of peace was to peer through the telescope.” This is a representation of William’s search for the aboriginal man which called him so much fear and emotion in the first paragraph, and was not present at the time because of William’s actions. (All of these quotes were on page 334)