Example Paragraph – How could these be improved?
Jeffrey Lu
The characterisation of Jeffrey Lu challenges dominant representations of race. The 1960s
mining town of Corrigan is racist; they reject anyone who is not white. The dominant
group in the town marginalise the Lu family because they are foreign, and this
discrimination is compounded because the Lus are Vietnamese, and the Vietnam War is
just beginning to affect the isolated town. Even though the population of Corrigan values
sporting prowess over anything else, the town’s children make sure they exclude Jeffrey
Lu, the best cricketer in Corrigan, from the team. "But Jeffrey Lu is uncanny. His skills are
so impressive I'm not even envious. The things he can do with that red rock in his hands
are amazing. Really... If he ever gets the chance to play a real game, he's going to be
brilliant" (50). Despite his constant experiences of rejection, Jeffrey is courageous enough
to continue trying to join the cricket game. "...pressing on with infinite optimism...
resilient and impressive... He is jostled and bumped around the pack. He's so small.
Someone kicks his ankle and says, Fuck off, Cong. Jeffrey stumbles, but keeps going, head
high... Even the coach is cackling... I always thought that eventually there would be a
grudging respect for Jeffrey's talent" (57 - 60). Because Jeffrey Lu is different, not white,
small and clever, he is rejected for all the ways he is different, despite his admirable
sporting ability. When Jeffrey Lu is finally allowed to join the cricket team, he wins the
game for the town and they finally recognise him as a worthy player and eventually
recognise his talent and include him as an equal participant, in the team as well as the
town. Therefore, Jeffrey challenges dominant representations in two ways; he is
courageous and strong enough to keep trying where others would have given up, and he
is one of the most talented sportspeople in Corrigan, despite their perceptions that his
race precluded him from sporting talent. The racist town of Corrigan judged Jeffrey Lu on
the basis of his race, and his construction effectively challenged those dominant
representations.
Charlie’s Mother
The characterisation of Mrs Bucktin, Charlie’s mother, challenges dominant
representations of gender. The 1960s mining town of Corrigan is traditional; parents are
stereotypically strict. Fathers are presumed to be strong and masculine, while mothers are
feminine and nurturing. Charlie’s parents subvert these representations. Charlie’s mother
grew up in a rich family and is disappointed with how her life has turned out; Corrigan and
her family is disappointment to her. As a result, she is bitter and cruel to her son and
husband, blaming them for her failed dreams, thereby subverting dominant
representations of motherhood. "Before I can close the front door, my mother has
slapped me. Hard and sharp. Much like Mrs Wishart, but with considerably more venom...
"Do you want people to think you have no parents?" (92). Mrs Bucktin cares more about
her appearance as a ‘good’ mother than actually being one. When Mrs Bucktin’s shameful
secrets are revealed, she has to run away. “In an instant she’d stripped her name of
whatever careful varnish she’d glossed it with for so many years. In a single scene she
revealed herself, ugly and loud and mean. And they heard it all” (280). When Charlie
discovers his mother’s secret life, she is more concerned that her neighbours and
community will know the truth rather than the hurt she has inflicted on her son and
husband. Her shame is a result of her discovery; not her sins. She leaves and never
returns, not even to see her child. In these ways, Mrs Bucktin is the antithesis of a
nurturing, maternal figure. The dominant representations of gender are therefore
challenged through the characterisation of Mrs Bucktin.