Uncle Ernie Character Analysis in The Turning

Ernie Lang, Vic’s uncle and Bob’s brother, is a difficult, unreliable man. Frequently in conflict with his wife, Cleo, Ernie finds himself in other trouble, too, both with his employers and with the law; he even capsizes his dinghy after he refuses to follow Bob’s instructions. Despite his destructive tendencies, Ernie’s mother, Nanna, and brother, Bob, care for and protect him. Bob even intervenes to save Ernie’s marriage with Cleo multiple times.

Uncle Ernie Character Timeline in The Turning

The timeline below shows where the character Uncle Ernie appears in The Turning. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...state of tension. Vic is frustrated with both his domineering grandmother, Nanna, and his Uncle Ernie, who he blames for their lateness. A flashback shows that when Vic’s family and Nanna... (full context)

...the beach, and Vic drifts off to sleep. When he wakes up, Vic’s father and Ernie are already preparing craypots; Vic goes out with them in the dinghy to set the... (full context)

Later that day, Vic fishes with Vic’s father and Uncle Ernie. That evening, they light a bonfire and the family eats and drinks together. Vic goes... (full context)

...has been. Eventually they all sleep, but Vic is woken up by the sounds of Ernie and Cleo loudly having sex nearby. Vic listens, full of both longing for Melanie and... (full context)

Vic’s father wakes Vic up first thing in the morning, and they go out with Ernie to draw in their craypots. The first pot has a full catch and they begin... (full context)

...After lunch, Carol surprises Vic and Gail with the news that Vic’s uncle and aunt, Ernie and Cleo, have invited them over; Vic’s grandmother will be there, too. Vic is shocked,... (full context)

...house. Nothing is recognizable to Vic, but Carol points out that he has not seen Ernie and Cleo since he was in university. They knock on the door, but no one... (full context)

...shoe in the process, and speed out of the cul-de-sac. As they leave, they see Ernie, Cleo, and their family across the street, but speed away nevertheless, reasoning that they cannot... (full context)

...she wanted to be a teacher, not a housewife her whole life. They then discuss Ernie’s family; the wobbegong cousins are all married with children now. Carol then tells Gail about... (full context)