Conclusion

After conducting research and examining sections of the book, I believe Grenville argues that the Aboriginal culture's social system leads to more overall happiness and satisfaction than the English class system. Through characters such as Thornhill, Dick, Sal, Blackwood, Grenville discusses how the English class system leads to strife and unhappiness. Thornhill's rise from a convict to a wealthy landowner in Australia was a rare achievement for men in his position. Dan Oldfield and others never escaped the system of oppression. In fact, the system came full circle as Thornhill mistreated Dan in the same manner that he had been mistreated. The English class system brought out greed. In addition, the English class system provided a façade for happiness and success that led many of its followers astray in the pursuit of it. In contrast, Grenville notes that the social cohesiveness present in the Aboriginal community contributed to more happiness. Aboriginals appreciated the absence of combative politics in their communities as well.