Crow Country Essay Final

Crow Country, written by Kate Constable is an Australian novel, which shadows the life of a young girl named Sadie, compelled by crows, to go back in time to right the wrongs from a terrible crime which occurred in her home town of Boort, during 1933. Through the author’s contrast of perspective, attitudes and values, Kate is able to effectively reflect upon many Australian values, most notably that of integrity. Characters such as Gerry and Craig Mortlock, demonstrate a lack of moral principles, whilst the protagonists, Clarry and Sadie Hazzard, display increased integrity as the novel progresses. These differing attitudes towards ethical conduct, position the reader to feel deep sympathy for those negatively affected and victimised by immoral actions.

During the course of the novel, the protagonists, Clarry and Sadie, mature significantly; developing an awareness from the cemented value of racial prejudice, which ultimately leads to them emerging as admirable role models for integrity. Clarry’s response to finding out that Jimmy Raven’s name is opposed to being put on the memorial shows his maturing values. Despite what anyone else in the town thinks about a white man defending an Aboriginal, Clarry decides to act according to his moral principles, defending one of his good friends, Jimmy. Another protagonist, Sadie, displays great integrity and courage while defending her Aboriginal friend Walter. Sadie was afraid to humiliate herself in front of Lachie, a boy who she is quite fond of. She still reinforces her moral principles by defending Walter when Jules said, “You kids – off” (Pg. 75) even though it is rightfully Walter’s turn to play a game of pool. Sadie’s protestation “This isn’t fair!” (Pg. 76) clearly shows Sadie criticising Lachie, for their unjust behaviour towards Walter. Through these events, the author positions the reader to feel optimistic that white communities can stand up for their own values and not be scrutinized by their choices but