The 16th and 20th centuries represented an era marked by European colonialism. This included the forced occupation of foreign lands and the control of those lands through various power mechanisms. In Australia, this expansion involved the deliberate separation of the colonialists from the natives because of their belief in "European superiority". Reflecting on our infamous past, Andrew Bovell's stage adaptation of The Secret River tells the story of two families; a settler, an indigenous person, and explores the binary opposition that exists between the two. Interestingly, the play shows that at one point in Australian history a harmonious relationship between these cultures was possible. However, the text reinforces the fundamental idea that different perspectives, shaped by an individual's historical and social context, prevented peaceful coexistence, resulting in a history marked by a sense of tragedy and despair. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayDuring the 18th and 19th centuries, a social hierarchy prevailed in British society. Influenced by this contextual factor, Captain Suckling (designed to represent the elite of society) is of the opinion that the class is "predestined" rather than "self-determined". While docking at Sydney Harbour, Suckling came into contact with ex-convict William Thornhill; “Back up for God's sake, man, you're sheltering the flies (Thornhill backs up)… such a gentleman as you claim to be.” (Act 1, scene 11) Here, Suckling's condescending tone towards Thornhill reveals the denigrating attitude of the upper class towards the lower class. Also in the 18th century, the British government had “raised the flag” on Australian soil and, out of ignorance, declared the land “Terra Nullius”. The convicts were invited to inhabit the land and form a colony. William Thornhill arrived in New South Wales as a convict from the "slums" of London. “We were nothing in London. Nothing in London. The place spat us out like it had spit out everyone else. (Act 2, scene 16) This speech about bureaucracy reveals that for Thornhill, Australia was a lifeline; an opportunity that symbolized a change of destiny. From Thornhill's point of view, land symbolized success; a privilege reserved for the elite. Upon arrival, Thornhill walks “his” 100 acres of land and exercises ownership by physically touching certain objects; “to every tree he touched he said this was my tree and to every rock he climbed he said this was my rock. » (Act 1, scene 2) This action reinforces Thornhill's perspective that physical possession is a measure of success. Shortly after his arrival, Thornhill reluctantly understands that "his" land is inhabited by the Dharug people; a group he views with disdain. Blinded by the belief in “European superiority,” Thornhill’s view of indigenous peoples reflects this social context. “European superiority” set a precedent where all aspects of white society were considered the norm and anything different as uncivilized. As a result, Thornhill makes no attempt to communicate with the Dharug people or to better understand how the Dharug people inhabited the land. As the plot progresses, Thornhill perceives the indigenous people as a threat to his newfound "success". The climatic scene reveals how Thornhill handled the situation; “In the first faint light they waded to the shore... In a low, trembling voice the men.