Patrick White's The Aunt's Story

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An epic and psychological narrative art which has introduced a new continent into literature.' This sentence uttered in 1973 when Patrick White won the Nobel Prize for literature. Indeed, not only did he bring on the international scene Australia as a country which produced a great writer but mostly he managed to stand out as a writer of high quality who, though now dead, represents the core of Australian literature. What characterizes his writings is the tendency he has to go deep into the characters personality as a way to criticize the society he was living in and which he despised. Always confronting society with characters whose peculiarity puts them beyond what is tangible, Patrick White expresses the profound discontentment which he was going through. Theodora Goodman, the heroine of The Aunt's Story, stands for this misunderstood character who transcends everything and everyone.

Extraits

[...] What entailed this change of mind? This is when Huntly, manifestly interested in her (there is no way to know if it is the way she is that he is interested in or if it is the ‘spectacle' she is part of that arouses his curiosity), evokes the possibility to throw a party during which Theodora could meet his friends hope you will come often ( ) I would like you to meet my friends”). Huntly wants this visit not to be unique and contemplates the possibility of other Theodora's comings over. [...]

[...] She belongs to nature, an environment in which she can evolve as an individual. This extract shows however that she is willing to try to come into society, willing to make an effort. That is why she goes to Huntly Clarkson's. She knows what he represents but still, she is drawn to him. Thus, the presence of Theodora in the extract can tackled under three different angles. At first, it will be interesting to see how she reacts, how she feels about this world she is so not accustomed to. [...]

[...] In fact, she was aware of her peculiarity but she was willing to learn how things worked in this world. But she never thought of meeting other people. And then, confronted to this idea, she just could not tolerate it and had to leave. It is like a dream which has been broken but she does not turn a blond eye and face reality: she is not part of that part, never has been, never will. And then, she leaves the house. was easier to escape than she expected from where she had never belonged”. [...]

[...] Consequently, she is not to be courted but is to be the aunt, this so peculiar figure who transcends everything and everyone and thus who cannot be part of any worlds but hers. Therefore, Theodora's leaving marks her refusal to belong to this world. She is an aloof being and is leading a powerful life. She is enlightened (lightning which struck her). As a matter of fact, she is the representative of powerful elements on earth. Patrick White was not a religious man but he believed in a superior being or superior elements which were above us all. [...]

[...] They were not extraordinary. None of them”. Here is the blatant example of his inability to seize what is beyond the visible. This is how the author intervenes once more. Indeed, Patrick White always rejected people and was only able to find peace, inspiration and happiness through the link which he had with nature. Huntly is the hunter, the one who is unable to grasp the beauty of nature because of the illness from which he suffers: his bound to society. [...]