In what ways does the idea of the lonely stockman's grave permeate the novel? What does it have to say about outback life, both now and in the past?

The stockman's grave is the scene of several major events in this book. It is the location of Cameron's death, it is the focal point of Ilse's escape plan, and it is the source of Cameron's prize-winning painting. In what ways does the idea of this lonely grave permeate the novel? What does it have to say about outback life, both now and in the past?

In such a large area with minimal locals (only 65) the stockman's grave was a point of reference as well as a landmark. It was unique because of it's location and the direction in which it faced, west, toward the desert where it was not a first choice of destination for most. There were many versions of the lore of the grave passed on from one local to another, which often changed to suit the needs of the teller. Just like the Outback itself, the people who live there are faced with wildness and extremes; they embody much that is most distinctive characteristic of Australia.

I really felt it was symbolic of the isolation and desolation of the area. It was the grave of someone who died trying to save his family. Isn't that what the book is all about— saving the family? I thought the stockman's grave helped to pull the story together.

I agree with you, Marcia S., but I also saw it as an ironic marker. A grave is an end marker - constructed at the end of one's life - and in this situation it is ironic in that it marks the beginning for so many of the other characters in this novel.

Every small town has an iconic symbol that is a point of reference (i.e. town square, church, town bell tower etc). The stockman's grave is that iconic symbol. The outback is massive, so it needs a physical marker - a central focal point for travel, lore, and mystery. The physical grave marker permeates all aspects of the novel (life, death, hope, resolution, and redemption) in more than just a physical way.

I agree with MarciaS that it is an almost daily reminder of the isolation and desolation of the area. It reminds people of the sacrifice made for family and for living there.