Why does this particular story resonate so deeply in our collective imagination? Define collective.

I think that the power of nature as well as nature's indifference to suffering makes resonates with all people.

Nature is a true beast in this tale. The bush throws fires, floods, poisonous animals, storms, and droughts at the people of the bush; life sometimes seems to be merely survival. Nature is depicted as powerful and capricious, and utterly indifferent to the men and women who seek to inhabit her landscapes. Man must match strength and wits with Nature to continue to live, which is exactly what the drover's wife does. She fights one thing after the other because it is simply what must be done. Sometimes she wins, sometimes she loses. If Nature were able to judge her, it would be fair to say she would be impressed by this quiet but doughty woman.