blueback Flashcards
what are the primary themes explored in tim wontons novel “Blueback”?
Environmental protection, coming of age, deep connections between humans and nature, sustainability, belonging and family, place and identity.
who is the main character in “Blueback” and what relationship do they develop?
Dora Jackson and her son Abel Jackson share a profound and evolving relationship centred around their deep connection to the sea and their commitment to environmental conservation. Dora, a resilient and independent woman, instills in Abel a strong respect for nature and a sense of responsibility towards protecting their environment.
How does Abel’s journey in the novel illustrate broader themes?
Abel’s growth from childhood to adulthood highlights the difficulties of accepting change and loss, and the importance of protecting the natural world.
How does Winton use the setting to reflect different perspectives of the ocean?
The coastal bay setting showcases the ocean as nurturing, providing for Abel and Dora, but also as dangerous with violent storms and deaths.
What literary techniques does Winton employ to depict the ocean?
Personification, imagery, and symbolism are used to give lifelike qualities to nature, vividly describe the ocean, and convey deeper meanings about the natural world.
Provide examples of how Winton contrasts the nurturing and brutal aspects of the ocean.
“Abel learned early on that the ocean could be a bountiful provider, filling their nets with fish,” versus, “when it turned on him, when it punished him and made him afraid.”
How does Winton use the characters to express political views on environmental conservation/sustainability?
Abel and Dora represent environmental consciousness and resistance to exploitation, while Costello symbolises commercial greed and its destructive impact.
What does Costello’s character represent in the novel?
Costello represents the opposing forces of commercial exploration and the prioritisation of financial profits over environmental sustainability.
How does Winton contrast Abel, Dora, and Costello to highlight environmental themes?
Through Characterisation and imagery, Winton contrasts their values, depicting the beauty of the ocean, and the destructive potential of Costello’s actions.
Summarise the novel’s conclusion on environmental protection
“Blueback” emphasises the urgent need for conservation against commercial exploitation and fosters a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems.
