Exploring the Context - The Secret River and beyond

William Thornhill encounters many types of conflicts throughout the text ‘The Secret River’. One type of conflict which Thornhill encounters is interpersonal conflict, which is still being encountered by people in society today.

Thornhill and his wife grew up in London, England, but were exiled to Australia after Thornhill tries to steal timber, and gets caught. ‘Give a little take a little, that’s the only way.’
Thornhill encounters interpersonal conflict when he and Sal set up home in Australia. Thornhill, pleased with the business opportunities, thinks he and his family may prosper in their new home, while Sal misses life back in London, and dreams of one day being able to move back home. Interpersonal conflict between the 2 grows, because of their different views on their new life.

An example of interpersonal conflict encountered in today’s society could be the conflict between Christine Nixon and the royal commission, on the black Saturday disaster.



by Steph