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Chapter 16
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
Ellie sends Sadie to the supermarket to buy some things before it closes. In the supermarket, Sadie faints, and soon after, she finds herself in the year 1933, as Sarah Louise. She’s in the Hazzards’ shop with Jean, her mother, counting money. As Jean tells Sadie to lock up, Gerald Mortlock barges in, covered in blood. He says he needs Clarry to help him.
Again, Sadie finds herself whisked to the past, which continues to be more connected to her present than she ever expected. Gerald Mortlock’s appearance indicates that something has gone terribly awry. Some sort of violence or accident has taken place, as his desperate, bloody state indicates.
Themes
Sarah Louise rushes to find her father, Clarry, whom she brings back to the shop front. Gerald Mortlock is slumped on the floor. Clarry tells Jean to go look after the kids, but tells Sarah Louise (referring to her as Sadie) to stay, as he might need her help. Gerald announces that he “killed that bugger.” It emerges that he is talking about Jimmy Raven—whom he killed, supposedly by accident. Clarry and Sarah Louise are shocked. Gerald tells Clarry that he left Jimmy by the stone circle.
Gerald’s confession that he has killed Jimmy Raven suggests that a cycle of violence has commenced—Gerald has taken the life of an innocent man. By referring to Jimmy as a “bugger,” which can be read as a derogatory term, Gerald also reveals his disrespect towards the very man whose life he has just ended.
Themes
Clarry leaves Gerald Mortlock in the shop, locks up, and takes Sarah Louise with him. They arrive at the stone circle, where they hear a groan. They find Jimmy Raven and tell him that they’ll get help, but Jimmy says he’s “done for.” He takes something out of his pocket and gives it to Clarry, telling him to take care of it and to hide it well. An owl calls, signaling death. Jimmy dies. Sarah Louise tells her dad they need to call the police, but Clarry says no.
Jimmy’s death by the stone circle alludes to his own strong connection to the sacred site as its protector and defender, even as the circumstances of his death reinforce that his identity as an Aboriginal person puts him at constant risk. Jimmy’s action of entrusting Clarry with his special things before dying also suggests that he trusts Clarry to do the right thing; clearly, he views Clarry as a friend who may be able to bring about retribution for the injustice of Jimmy’s death.
Themes
