tracks by robyn davidson essay PDF

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Nature Nature in both texts is presented as a ubiquitous force interacting with characters. Characters that find themselves coupled with nature seem happier than those who are at odds with it. Mr Eddie from Tracks is exemplary of this trait. He flows with the rhythm of nature, even Davidson notes how Mr Eddie “was teaching [her] something about flow, about choosing the right moment for everything, about enjoying the present. [She chose to] let him take over.” He had detached himself from the constraints of society, therefore, became an excellent mentor for Davidson. He teaches her the essentials of observing nature above man-made convention. This helps her slow down time and not feel rushed. Her anxiety “gradually [fades] as [she relaxes] into Eddie’s time.” Likewise, Charlie experiences euphoria when he connects to nature. He no longer needs to worry about food and the anxiety of expressing himself in a manner that pleases him. “I have my own supermarket… I can dance.” Despite the similar restorative and replenishing powers of nature that both Charlie and Davidson experience. Charlie on the other hand also seeks his ancestral roots. Nature for him is deeply connected to his identity and sense of belonging as an Aboriginal person. Ultimately…

Characters that have failed to find a place in nature are presented as having something missing in both texts. They are often portrayed as being depressed or aggressive. This is exemplified by the police who confiscated the Buffalo from Charlie and Black Pete in Charlie’s country. The police would rather let it rot in order to uphold a law instead of letting “all that tender meat” feed a community who desperately need nourishing food. Likewise, the indigenous people who are longrassing in Darwin are also disconnected from nature and subsequently are missing a part of their traditional selves. They are portrayed as being lost, substituting a natural way of life for alcohol. In Tracks, Kurt is exemplary of someone who is not connected to nature. Therefore, resulting in his aggressive temperament towards people and animals. He berated Davidson, beats the camels and kills the crows. Davidson warns Kurt telling him that “they’ll be killed in the fall.” However, Kurt’s heedless attitude prevails. “Nonsense. De nest is light and it vill float” (it didn’t float). Similarly, in Tracks the tourists fail to comprehend the natural and spiritual significance of Uluru, treating it like an object to be conquered. Just as, Rick for much of the trip was viewing nature through a lens. To obtain images that end up being misleading version of reality. They fail to connect with their surroundings. Therefore, never truly experience bliss that characters like Charlie, Davidson and Mr Eddie feel throughout their journeys. Ultimately…

Nature can also turn formidable through its cruel indifferences. From the physical restriction it imposes on individuals. In Tracks, Sallay advices Davidson that if she ever encountered a wild bull during her travels to “shoot first and ask questions later.” Ergo when Davidson has the misfortune of encountering wild bulls outsider her camp in Docker, she with the help of an aboriginal man, end up shooting and killing three of them. She feels deeply guilty for interfering with the “natural way” of things. Demonstrating how anxiety inducing and intimidating nature can turn out to be. Furthermore, other wildlife in the form of “snakes, lizards, insects and birds” permeate the rooms of Basso’s farm. Moreover the harsh desert train can be impenetratable for Davidson and her camels. Implying just how tough the natural environment can be for Davidson. Similarly, in Charlie’s country the sub-tropical environment can be an obstacle for Charlie. The rainy weather catches Charlie by surprise wreaking havoc on his health, especially his lungs. Exemplified by the shot of charlie continuing to cough, touching his heart and stomach looking unwell. Furthermore, the presence of crocodiles which Charlie warns Gaz and his mates about near the swamp. “What out for crocodle,

too.” Despite the formidable power of nature in both texts, character find ways to subdue it to some extents. In Charlie’s country Buffalo’s can be hunted and in Tracks camels can be trained.

Nature can also confine individuals within their isolation. Leaving them craving for interconnection and a momentary escape from their individual selves. In Tracks, Davidson, “bored with [her] life and its repetitions,” desires to be alone, to be “psychologically…self-sufficient.” As Davidson’s journey in isolation progress she has a change of heart. Instead in her letters we get an insight into the anxiety and dread she feels in her isolation in nature. Admitting she’d “give anything for a friendly face.” Demonstrating that the human experience is not intended to be a solo venture. Similarly, Charlie in Charlie’s country also experiences isolation in nature. After the damaging effects of the rain he is left all alone, unable to care for himself with no one to help. However, his isolation in nature is not simply absolved by the likes of Black Pete, a loyal friend who comes for his rescue. Charlie’s deep isolation continues even in Darwin as he spirals into drunkenness and dysfunction, yet social contact from friends seems ineffective, whereas for Davidson in Tracks social contact works. It is only in Charlie’s incarceration in the city that we witness the greatest extent of his spiralling alienation. Portrayed through sombre tones of the piano as Charlie stares out of his cell in damp loneliness. Both characters experience isolation that begins with their contact with nature. However, for Davidson it is absolved from social contact, whereas, for Charlie it isn’t.

Individualism and interconnection The staunch resolve of both Davidson and Charlie to forge an individual path for themselves demonstrates their sense of individualism. Charlie lives alone by choice on the fringe of community. Similarly, Davidson lives alone at Basso Farm and enjoys the seclusion that comes with it, “my domain, my private.” When it comes time to head into the wild, they do so alone. Furthermore, Davidson fights off any stereotypes or expectations placed by society. Remarking that no wonder “why some of the world’s angriest feminists breathed crisp blue Australian air.” Her independent nature proves to be very powerful. For example, she doesn’t enjoy others intruding on her plans by pressuring her to take a set of radios. Because she’d decided to be alone, carrying a set of radio “she had decided… was somehow not right.” Furthermore, when Kurt abuses her, she in response walks away maintaining her pride rather than submitting. Similarly, when Charlie is confronted by unjust treatment and change in his community, he decides that he is “gonna live in the bush, live the old way… going to where [he] used to sleep as a kid.” Furthermore, he retaliates against the police. Smashing the windscreen of a police cruiser. Like Davidson, Charlie poses the ability to resist conforming to societal norms, instead chooses to maintain his identity and integrity.

Despite Davidson and Charlie sharing a strong sense of individualism amongst themselves, they still rely on others more than they would like to admit. In Tracks, Davidson feels shackled to Rick due to their contract with the National Geographic. She is also very apprehensive about upcoming contacts with Rick along the trip. She finds that he interrupts her solitude by taking pictures. Moreover, she is confused on how to remain independent while accepting support from others. Unable to tolerate the idea of individuality and interconnection co-existing she starts to view Rick as almost two different people, each one representing a different side of her conundrum. “On the one hand [she]… saw him as a blood-sucking little creep” whilst “on the other hand [she]… was confronted with a very warm, gentle human being… who cared.” Furthermore, she is also dependent on several station owners for assistance throughout her trip. Mr Eddie, vets and fellow camel handlers who lend their expertise and helping hand. Similarly, Charlie is also surrounded by community. They form a safety net for him. When Charlie ventures out to fight the system, he is well assured that he can return to the welcoming hands of his community. Black Pete is a loyal friend who finds Charlie at his lowest point to help and support him. Whether it be sick in the bush, drinking in Darwin or in prison. Likewise, Old Lulu looks out for Charlie engaging him in the old traditions by encouraging him to teach the younger generation how to dance. Demonstrating how despite their sense of individualism they still have a safety net around them composed of their friends and community.

Indigeneity Racism is perceived from the perspective of an indigenous person and a non-indigenous person looking in. In Charlie’s country, we get an insight into the racism that indigenous people experience every day from the perspective of an Aboriginal person. De Heer illustrates a contemporary view on the aftereffects of colonisation, emphasising some of the small and persistent disturbances and imbalances in power that still exist. Moreover, in Charlie’s country the introduction of western culture is seen as corrupting. From “whitefella junk food,” marijuana, tobacco and alcohol. The side effects of which can be seen on Charlie as he has damaged lungs from smoking. And Fat Albert who has malfunctioning kidneys from alcohol and junk food. In Tracks, Davidson is aware of the issues that plague the Indigenous people. However, she is not personally involved with the problem herself nor is she affected by it. She has access to employment, housing, money and moves back and forth from Brisbane at will. This is what causes her to realise that she “could never enter their reality [and] would always be a whitefella tourist on the outside looking in.” Despite this her attitude towards indigenous people is positive, she doesn’t share the overtly racist ideals that Alice Springs maintains, wherein “black were unequivocally the enemy – dirty, lazy, dangerous.” Apart from Gladdy and herself who share an optimistic view on the indigenous people. Ultimately…

Both texts also explore police brutality and racial bias, demonstrating how the system is contrary to Indigenous Australian’s way of life. In Charlie’s country there is much evidence for racial bias towards indigenous people. Exemplary of the local police when they “put [Charlie] down as a recreation shooter.” Charlie clearly offended replies “hunting is not recreational… it’s for food.” Furthermore, the court system, with a white magistrate speaking in English and Charlie responding in his mother tongue conveying “I was living in home. Nice and peacefully. Then the police came to throw me out… nothing more to say” emphasising the broken biased system. In Tracks, we get a similar picture. When “a big burly policeman… dragged [an aboriginal women] out to the door and shoved her into the street. Not a person moved off their stools.” Demonstrating police discrimination. Unlike Charlie, Davidson is not affected by police racial bias. She still however, experiences gender bias. Ultimately, both texts explore police racial bias and discrimination towards indigenous people.

Of major concern to both texts is land right. Tracks takes place during the land rights movement of the 1970s. Davidson recognises that “aboriginal lands go once again into the hands of the white,” while also mentioning that “assimilation is anti-land rights, self-determination and blacks do not want it.” However, despite sharing similar sentiments towards land rights with Indigenous people. She is selective in her understanding of white Australians and colonisation when she is in the position of needing provision and shelter. Relying often on station owners who are pastoralists. Even describing station owners “George and Lorna” as “real battlers” and hardworking. However, what she fails to question is how those station owners obtained the land she travels through. Pastoralist were some of the most instrumental people in expelling Indigenous people from their land. In Charlie’s country, Charlie’s understanding of land rights is essential to his identity. He can be seen frequently reminding government workers such as Errol and local police that they are on his land. For Indigenous Australian, their native country holds a significant connection between an individual and their ancestral lands. Instead of owning the land they co-exist with it. This mutual relationship is expressed in their food, culture, spirit and identity. Therefore, it makes sense why it’s painful when someone is dislocated from their land. Which Charlie expresses when talking to Albert who is sick

and is being transported to Darwin. “Then you’ll die in the wrong place… a long way from your country.” Even more saddening is that white people are standing on ancestral land.

Freedom Both texts explore the desire to attain freedom from societal norms. In Charlie’s country, Charlie seeks emancipation from a system that he says, “took my spear… and my gun. I work for them catching criminals… and they don’t pay me. They stole our land and put a police station on it.” This system of systematic prejudice imposed by the western worldview is was what Charlie is determined to escape from when he goes into the bush all alone. Furthermore, Charlie experiences the greatest restriction of freedom when he is incarcerated after he broke the windshield of a police cruiser. For example, the repetitive nature of Charlie’s jail routine is to show the restrictions placed on Charlie. The shearing of his hair in that darkly lit room is a portrayal of his submission to a system he is so against. Similarly, Davidson is also detained by people and events throughout her journey, however, is never truly rendered powerless by the law like Charlie is. Opposed to Charlie’s country, in Tracks, Davidson’s escape is from misogyny and female subjugation. Throughout her journey, she is reminded that her gender leaves her vulnerable in many ways. She learns that sexism is more prevalent in towns and especially in pubs, compared to indigenous communities where “women hold a very strong position in Aboriginal society.” The sexist interpretations of her journey where people saw her as “a crazy, irresponsible adventurer… camel lady” illustrates how much harder it for women to carve out their won identities without always being filtered through gender stereotypes…...