Decline and Decay
The theme of decline and decay runs throughout the collection, giving a sad picture of the progressive destruction of a town and its inhabitants. The stories graphically depict the breakdown of Angelus, a once-thriving community, mirroring the decline of many rural towns in Western Australia. The dying whaling industry acts as a backdrop in the early stories, signifying the demise of economic prosperity and traditional lives. In "Long, Clear View" and "Fog," corruption within the police force and widespread drug usage highlight the deterioration of moral standards and social fabric. Bob Lang's descent into alcoholism and ultimate abandonment of his family depicts a personal decline that mirrors the town's greater trend. Moreover, racial tensions and violence in the community, as seen in "Boner McPharlin's Moll," highlight the societal decay and the breakdown of harmonious relationships.
Escapism and Longing for a better life
The theme of escapism and the longing for a better life runs throughout the collection. The stories express the desire for escape and the search for a better future. In the first story, "Big World," two high school graduates fantasize about buying a van and leaving town, fueling their desire to explore the world beyond their small neighborhood. Vic's crush on a girl who lost her finger in a farming accident illustrates an adolescent yearning to escape his circumstances through a love bond in "The Turning." "Damaged Goods" depicts Vic's wife coping with his fixation with a high school classmate, reflecting the lingering longing for an idealized past and the longing for what may have been. The characters in the collection such as Peter Dyson in "Small Mercies," seek an escape from their personal struggles and painful histories, hoping for a fresh start and a chance at redemption. These stories collectively explore the universal yearning for a better life, reflecting the human desire to transcend limitations and seek fulfillment beyond the confines of their current existence.
Loss and Grief
This idea is prevalent in several stories throughout the anthology. In "Boner McPharlin's Moll," Boner McPharlin's harsh beating results in the loss of innocence and the terrible death of Bob's daughter, causing tremendous anguish throughout the Lang family. The narrative "Reunion" delves into Carol's approaching death from cancer and her following search for closure and reconciliation with Bob. Vic's grief is exacerbated by Bob's death in an open mineshaft which was presumably a suicide. In "Family," a fatal shark attack and its aftermath drive Max and Frank to confront their shared loss and the depths of pain they have separately borne. These stories demonstrate the deep impact of loss whether through death, damaged relationships, or the collapse of a family. Winton skillfully portrays the various stages of grief, capturing the complex emotions, sense of emptiness, and yearning for closure that accompany these losses.
Family and Relationships
The theme of family and relationships is explored through a network of interconnected people and their intricate interactions. The Lang family embodies this topic as Vic's poor relationship with his father, Bob, unfolds against the backdrop of Bob's spiral into alcoholism and corruption. Vic and his mother, Carol are left to deal with the ramifications of Bob's leaving of the family. Vic's search for identity and reconciliation with his history is entwined with fractured family dynamics. Furthermore, the stories of Max and Frank delve into sibling relationships, demonstrating the damaging influence of abuse as well as the possibility of recovery. Other stories such as "Damaged Goods" and "Small Mercies," look at the long-term effects of prior relationships on current ones. Through these interconnected narratives, Winton illuminates the transformative power of family and relationships, illustrating how they shape individuals' lives, their sense of self, and their ability to find solace and healing amidst turmoil.
