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Chapter 9
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Crow Country, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Prejudice and Discrimination
Heritage and Land
Justice and Restitution
Violence and Integrity
Summary
Analysis
Lachie and Sadie return to the footy game just as it’s finishing. Her mother says that David is coming over tonight, and they will get dinner at the pub. Later that evening, both Sadie and Ellie are surprised when David brings his nephew Walter along. When they all arrive at the pub, there is an uncomfortable silence as the other patrons stop their conversations and stare at the white woman and her daughter stepping in with the black man and his nephew. Sadie thinks she hears Craig Mortlock making fun of her mother. The four settle down in the back bar, where, after a wink from David, Sadie begins to feel more comfortable. Sadie wants to be as brave and bold as David, and so she invites Walter to go play pool with her in the pool room.
The silence and stares that greet Sadie, her mother, Walter and David as they enter the pub point to the racial tensions that continue to permeate social relations in the town. Clearly, many people in the town do not approve of this mixed group of whites and Aboriginals. However, Sadie takes courage from David, who confronts the hostility with confidence.
Themes
In the pool room, Sadie begins to play pool with Walter. Just as they’re beginning the game, Lachie Mortlock and a group of other teenagers come from outside. One of the teenagers tells them to leave the table. Sadie hopes that Lachie, who is watching the scene, will come to their defense. Instead, Lachie calls Sadie and Walter “kids,” and tells them their turn is over and they must leave. He glares at Walter as he speaks.
The hostility that Sadie felt amongst the white adults at the front of the bar is mirrored by the behavior of the white teenagers. Lachie’s behavior is an indication that he can’t be trusted. While Sadie expects him to defend her, he instead acts just as rudely as his peers towards her and Walter. This moment suggests that racial prejudice is everywhere in the town, even among young people whom Sadie otherwise likes.
Themes
Walter confronts Lachie, telling him to watch his tone. As Walter and Sadie are leaving, she hears the gang making derogatory remarks about her and Walter, calling Walter her “abo boyfriend.” People also make fun of Sadie’s mother for dating David. Sadie is enraged, but Walter leads her away.
