Remembering Babylon Extended Essay Example

surrounded by peaches and strawberries that made one feel as if they were in England. Similar to George Abbot, Sir George also creates a fantasy world in Australia, where he portrays himself riding in a chariot that represents an untouchable power. This illustrates the colonial dominance in Australia, which is another concern reflected by Malouf. Through his depiction of the unnamed colony, Malouf provides readers with an insight into the racist values and brutal attitudes prevalent during that time.

The opening chapter of Malouf's book reflects his concern regarding the failure of the colonial project due to the dominance of the colonialists over the land and its native people. This is exemplified through the character of Lachlan Beatie, who raises his stick as a pretend gun at Gemmy when they first encounter each other. Malouf uses the symbol of the stick to represent the concept of power held by the European settlers, which is rooted in their colonial dominance[2]. Additionally, when Gemmy speaks in his native language, Lachlan becomes incensed and asserts his authority by telling him to be quiet. Lachlan's fear of an unknown language reflects his desire to maintain control and prevent Gemmy from revealing their weakness. Subsequently, Lachlan further asserts his authority over Gemmy by taking him prisoner, which emphasizes Malouf's concern about white dominance over individuals who appear black. Conversely, Mr. rejects this attitude of domination in order to recreate Britain.

In his portrayal of Frazer, the priest of the settlement, Malouf showcases his belief in cultural acceptance and harmony between the white settlers and the native people. It appears that Malouf is conveying his thoughts on culture through the character of Mr.

Frazer. He acknowledges that it has been a mistake to view this country as hostile and unwelcoming, recognizing its inherent hospitability. Mr. Frazer's "field notebook" reveals his firm conviction in the adaptation of the settlers to the land rather than dominating and destroying it by completely eradicating its native elements.

Frazer criticizes the arrogance of the settlers who, with their 'English eyes', refuse to acknowledge the abundance of natural resources surrounding them. Instead, they continue to import sheep and cattle to reinforce their European heritage. Frazer believes that there is hope for cultural harmony between the colonizers and the Aboriginals, which is exemplified through Gemmy, a cultural hybrid whom Frazer sees as a true representation of the future. Ironically, these views on adapting to the land and cultural harmony are a major fear for the settlers. Malouf reveals the fears that consume the members of the settlement through the symbolic figure of Gemmy.

He is seen as a threatening figure by the settlers because of his connection with the Aboriginal people who saved him, which causes him to be seen as one of them and as a strange mix of qualities. This connection also causes great racial anxiety, as many believe he is allied with the indigenous people, echoing the concerns of Barney Mason, who has long been anxious about the relationship between black and white individuals. These fears are reinforced by the recent Comet River massacre, the largest massacre of white settlers by Aboriginal people in Australian history. The intensity of these fears is illustrated by Andy McKillop's claim that he witnessed Gemmy being given an 'imaginary stone' by his Aboriginal rescuers, which he would use

as a weapon to commit murder. In addition to racial anxiety, Gemmy represents the settlers' deepest fear: losing their power and privilege as white individuals. When Gemmy does lose this power, he becomes a distorted imitation of a white man, further heightening the anxieties of the Aboriginal people who see him as one of them. Another aspect of colonial mentality that Malouf explores is the settlers' struggle to establish a unique Australian identity, hampered by feelings of personal shame.

The personal shames discussed in the text are related to individual fears experienced by different characters. One example is Jock McIvor, who unofficially adopts Gemmy into his family but secretly believes his neighbor Barney Mason's fear of having Gemmy around. Jock feels powerless because his wife Ellen forced him to adopt Gemmy. Additionally, Jock feels pressure to maintain his role as the breadwinner and struggles with the disappointment of not providing enough for Ellen. Ellen herself feels ashamed of their poverty and blames herself for the deaths of two of her children, feeling like a failure as a mother.
Another character, George Abbot, experiences personal shame for not living up to the expectations of his wealthy benefactor Cousin Alisdair. George feels like a "fatal disappointment" because he has not maintained a charming and winning appearance. His shame is then directed towards maintaining his Eurocentric connections and he also redirects his frustration by caning his students. Furthermore, George's self-loathing is connected to his desire to go to Africa, which he sees as a place where he could prove himself as a man.
Janet and her cousin Lachlan also reflect a shameful attitude towards Australia in their relationship as

young people. Lachlan constantly boasts about his home in Scotland, even though everyone knows his family struggles to feed him and has no interest in the Australian bush. This makes it seem as though poverty is inherent in Janet.