Protagonists
- Narra (née Ngarrabul): A young Aboriginal woman who witnesses the arrival of horses in her homeland.
- Jack Buckley: A white settler who becomes a horsebreaker and Narra’s lover.
- Hassan al-Mujahid: A skilled horsemanship and trader who brings Arabians to Australia.
Supporting Characters
- Abbrie: Narra’s younger sister.
- Goobal: Narra’s father.
- Buckley’s wife and children: Jack’s family.
- Tom: Jack’s friend and fellow horsebreaker.
- Tibo: A young Aboriginal man who joins the bushrangers.
- Edward: Jack’s half-brother.
- Frank: A member of the bushrangers.
Historical Figures
- Governor King: The governor of New South Wales at the time of the novel.
- Governor Macquarie: King’s successor.
- Bennelong: An Aboriginal man who became a liaison between the white settlers and the Aboriginal tribes.
- John Macarthur: A wealthy landowner and pioneer of the wool industry.
- William Bligh: The captain of HMS Bounty.
Themes and Motifs
Colonialism
The novel explores the impact of European colonialism on the Aboriginal people of Australia. It portrays the displacement, dispossession, and violence that the Aboriginal people faced at the hands of the white settlers.
Race and Identity
The novel also examines the themes of race and identity. It explores the ways in which racial stereotypes and prejudices shape the relationships between the white settlers and the Aboriginal people.
Nature and the Environment
The novel depicts the beauty and brutality of the Australian landscape. It also explores the ways in which the introduction of horses into Australia has affected the environment.
The Power of Storytelling
The novel emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving history and culture. It shows how stories can be used to connect people across time and distance.
Analysis
“Horse” by Geraldine Brooks is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complex themes of colonialism, race, and identity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian history and literature.
Quotes
“The horse was a gift, but it was also a curse. It brought us new possibilities, but it also brought us closer to our destruction.” – Narra
“The land was our mother, and we were her children. But the white man came with his horses, and they tore her up.” – Goobal
“The horse is a creature of both strength and beauty. It can be a symbol of freedom, but it can also be a weapon of war.” – Jack Buckley
