Explain how the relationship between William and Sal has changed since London in the secret river by Kate Grenville
In the novel "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville, the relationship between William Thornhill and his wife Sal Thornhill undergoes a significant transformation. This change can be observed through various stages of the story, particularly as they leave their life in London and settle in the Australian penal colony.
At the beginning of the novel, Sal is portrayed as a strong and supportive wife to William. She stands by him through difficult times and takes care of their children while William tries to make a living as a waterman in London. Sal is a steady presence in William's life, providing him with stability and emotional support.
However, as the couple is forcibly transported to Australia, their relationship becomes strained. William becomes obsessed with claiming and taming the land, while Sal longs for the familiar comforts of home. The harsh realities of their new life, filled with hardship and struggle, take a toll on their relationship. Sal becomes increasingly resentful of William's single-minded pursuit of land and wealth, as she feels neglected and isolated.
Their relationship reaches a breaking point when William decides to claim a piece of land on the Hawkesbury River, inhabited by the local Aboriginal people. Despite Sal's objections, William decides to build their own home there, leading to a violent confrontation with the indigenous population.
This event becomes a turning point in their relationship. Sal witnesses the brutal consequences of their actions and is horrified by the massacre that takes place. This experience forces her to confront the moral implications of their settlement and colonization. She begins to question their presence on this land and realizes the devastating impact their actions have on the indigenous people.
Sal's newfound understanding causes a rift between her and William. She can no longer blindly support his desires for land and wealth. Sal's change of heart prompts her to distance herself from William emotionally, while still remaining physically present in their home.
Ultimately, the relationship between William and Sal is irreparably damaged. Sal's increasing disapproval of their actions and her growing empathy for the indigenous people create an insurmountable divide between them. Although they still live together, their connection and intimacy fade away gradually. Their marriage becomes a shell of what it once was, marked by silence and emotional distance.
In conclusion, the relationship between William and Sal Thornhill undergoes a significant transformation throughout "The Secret River." From being a strong and supportive couple in London, they become increasingly divided due to the harsh realities of their new life in Australia and their conflicting views on colonization and land ownership. Their inability to bridge this gap leads to a strained and distant relationship, ultimately changing the dynamic of their marriage.
In Kate Grenville's novel "The Secret River," the relationship between William Thornhill and Sal Thornhill undergoes a series of changes since their time in London. Here are the key stages in the evolution of their relationship:
1. London: At the beginning of the story, William and Sal have a supportive and loving relationship. They are both working-class Londoners struggling to make a living. They are shown to cherish each other and their growing family despite their hardships.
2. Transportation to Australia: Due to certain circumstances, William is convicted of a petty crime and transported to New South Wales, Australia. Sal, who is pregnant, voluntarily follows him. Their shared decision to face the unknown together, despite the risks and challenges, highlights their deep commitment to each other.
3. Early Days in Sydney: Upon arriving in the Australian penal colony, William and Sal face harsh living conditions and struggle to build a life for themselves. Sal, being resourceful and practical, tries to adapt to their new surroundings, while William harbors dreams of owning land and achieving a better life for his family.
4. Conflict over the land: As William finds an opportunity to explore and claim land along the Hawkesbury River, a conflict arises between him and the Aboriginal people who already inhabit and rely on the land. This conflict deeply affects their relationship, as William becomes determined to possess the land at all costs, while Sal harbors reservations about the morality of their actions and the consequences it may have for their family.
5. Growing divide: Sal's concerns and moral dilemmas regarding the dispossession of the Aboriginal people intensify, leading to a growing divide between William and her. While William becomes more engrossed in his pursuit of land and wealth, Sal's empathy for others and her sense of justice weighs heavily on her conscience.
6. Tragic event: A tragic event occurs when a confrontation erupts between the settlers and the Aboriginal people, resulting in violence and loss of life. This event deeply impacts both William and Sal, but in different ways. Sal is overwhelmed by grief and guilt, further distancing herself from William's single-minded pursuit of wealth.
7. The breaking point: The tragic event becomes the breaking point in their relationship. Sal becomes increasingly distant from William, unable to reconcile her ethical concerns with his relentless quest for land and expansion. She develops a profound sadness and disappointment in him, feeling that he has lost his sense of morality and empathy.
8. Final separation: Unable to bridge the growing emotional chasm between them, Sal ultimately decides to leave William and return to London with their surviving children. This final separation signifies the irreparable damage to their relationship caused by their differing values and aspirations.
In summary, the relationship between William and Sal Thornhill in "The Secret River" changes from a loving and supportive partnership to a fractured and ultimately broken bond. Their differing attitudes towards the dispossession of the Aboriginal people and William's single-minded pursuit of wealth contribute to their growing divide, eventually leading to Sal's departure and the end of their relationship.