Analysis of opening scenes and themes

1.The dramatis personae list states that McNealy is a 60 year old swagman. In Lawson's story it can be inferred that itinerant swagmen threatened women on isolated properties. What is the function of McNealy in this part of the opening scene?

2.

How does this opening simultaneously reveal the woman's vulnerability and strength? What core attributes does she demonstrate by the end of this segment?

3.

Explain how McNealy's description of the deaths of the Hossnaggles invites us to be suspicious of him. How do his later revelations about the woman's children position the reader to further doubt him?