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Act 2, Scene 1
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in No Sugar, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Racism, Discrimination, and Colonial Violence
Government, Civilization, and Religion
White Australians vs. the Aboriginal Family Unit
Language and Culture
Summary
Analysis
David, Joe, and Cissie collect water down by the river. Once they’ve gotten enough, they look for a place to swim. Two girls, Mary and Topsy, have also come down to the river. Joe introduces his siblings, and Topsy introduces herself and Mary. The Millumurras realize that they are Topsy’s cousins, related through Uncle Herbie. However, Mary is unrelated to them, which is lucky for Joe, who is instantly attracted to her.
David, Joe, and Cissie collect water for the family, doing their part to contribute. Here, the bonds of family also help the children make a new friend, and help Joe find a new potential girlfriend. Luckily they are not related, but Joe feels a connection to her that will cause him to treat her with the care and attention with which he would treat a loved one.
Themes
Joe sends Cissie and David back to camp with the water. They complain that they wanted to swim, but he promises they can later. Mary and Topsy have to leave, but before they go, Joe asks Mary to meet him by the river the next day at the same time. She agrees.
One good thing about Joe’s relocation to Moore River is his opportunity to meet Mary. He immediately feels a romantic connection to her, which improves the quality of his life.
Themes
