Cloudstreet

4 Pages 893 Words

In the novel ‘Cloudstreet’, Tim Winton gives an insight into the truths about life. Through the construction of diverse and deep characters, the readers can explore the magic and mystery of life, love and death. The characters play an important role in conveying the idea that we all need to find some meaning in life whether it be through spirituality, religion or family.

Quick Lamb is an intricate character who is important in bringing greater depth to the themes and issues presented in the novel. As a child Quick Lamb was a quiet child, and ironically named after his slow personality. As a result of an accident, where Quick’s younger bother fish near drowned and became mentally disabled, Quick spent the rest of his life and childhood burdened by guilt. Quick blamed himself for his brothers’ fate as he was standing on the net which drowned fish. Quick was developed as a depressed character unable to escape his inner demons. Quick develops a manifestation with misery believing he needs to make himself unhappy as a “punishment” for his brothers’ state. Quick dwells on the misery of others, by surrounding himself with pictures of, the prisoners of war, refugees, and other victims of evil and violence. Quick adopts a ‘sadness radar’ which is an aspect of his trapped personality. To over come his fight with evil quick escapes to the bush on a journey of self discovery and a place of belonging. During his absence his nightmares that haunt his sleep, are a reflection of the guilt he feels from the accident with fish. Quick returns from the bush ‘glowing like an Osram lamp’ he is able to accept Fish for whom he is. Winton constructs Quick as experiencing a rite of passage. Throughout the novel quick develops from a timid guilt obsessed boy to a strong and happy man. Quick is able to realize his need for family and able to find love with Rose and establish his own family. He was able come to the realization that ther...