Tracks

Robyn Davidson

Robyn Davidson is the obvious central character in her memoir. Davidson undergoes both internal and external struggles while completing a journey from Alice Springs to the west coast of Australia. There is a sense of Davidson’s maturing throughout the memoir, following her arrival in Alice Springs with only her dog and six dollars. Her initial requests of others for help and accommodation contrasts her self-sufficiency which is displayed as she makes the solo walk through some of the harshest landscape in Australia.

Throughout her preparations and journey, the key character trait Davidson demonstrates is tenacity. Surrounded by misogynistic bar patrons, unhelpful camel handlers and people who doubt her, Davidson is determined to fulfil her goal, balancing determination with a growing sense of self-worth. While willing to do whatever it takes to realise her dream, at times she has to draw the line in order to protect her self-worth. She moves on from camel handling at Kurt’s ranch, despite being a long way into a verbal contract that will see her gain the necessary skills and camels she needs for her journey, when he becomes too abusive. Likewise she resigns from her job at a hotel, giving up much-needed income, after an unsavoury incident in which her room is vandalised.

Throughout the hard times it is apparent that Davidson connects with nature as a source of peace and renewal. Afternoon walks in the nearby sandhills, time spent with her dog Diggety, bonding with the camels and adopting a crow are all fundamental in linking her to nature. She confesses she finds it easier to relate to nature than to people, at times losing herself in her work with the camels.

Self-aware, Davidson often struggles with her place in the world. She is aware of the barriers placed on her by others who see her only as a woman. She understands the historical trends that dictate how she should act as a woman. Determined to throw off the ‘door-mat’ label and overcome what she calls women’s ‘yellow streak’, cowardice, she takes control of her representation. As the journey continues, she monitors her own growth and is surprised that she has not changed in the initial part of the trip.

Socially aware of what she is experiencing around her, Davidson is deeply moved by the plight of First Australians. She is thirsty for a genuine connection with them and enjoys time when she can just meander with Eddie, an Indigenous elder. She is disturbed by the tourists’ disrespect for Uluru, shown by their climbing of the formation, and even more upset by the insensitivity of the media, including her photographer Rick. She champions the life of the desert communities and explains how they function in intricate ways with cultural beauty.

Davidson is significantly changed by the journey and she questions the constraints of society such as time and fashion expectations. She develops a strong bond with her animals, growing close to the camels and suffering enormous grief after Diggety ingests poison and dies. She enjoys the time when she can accomplish the trip alone and resents the intrusion of others. The end of the journey is reflective, in which she acknowledges that extraordinary things are accomplished by commitment.

Robyn Davidson Quote

To be free one needs constant and unrelenting vigilance over one’s weaknesses. A vigilance which requires a moral energy most of us are incapable of manufacturing. (Davidson) Chapter 9

Rick Smolan

Rick is a photographer with National Geographic who meets Robyn Davidson in Alice Springs. They seem to connect and he encourages her to apply to National Geographic magazine for a grant to secure the necessary funds for her trip. In exchange, the magazine is to have exclusive media rights over the trip. Although we see Rick through the eyes of Davidson who, at times, sees him as a part of the intrusive media problem, he is also seen in his own right through his words and actions. He is a courageous character who travels the world, in the Australian Outback one day and hanging from a helicopter in Borneo the next. He is not malicious in intruding upon Davidson’s trip despite her perceptions but simply does his own job exploring the world through his lens.

He is completely supportive of Davidson and her adventure, meeting her at various stages on the trip to photograph her. Although at times he appears to miss social cues and photographs Indigenous people to fulfil his magazine’s brief, he likewise sees Davidson as a subject and puts her in contrived positions for the perfect shot. A constant companion and support, his position shifts from friendship to intimacy and eventually to a familial bond. Positioned as a reliable pillar who helps Davidson at the climax of her journey when the media encroaches upon her, he shields her by spreading false rumours and arranging accommodation to hide her from prying eyes.

Rick Smolan Quotes

I began right then and there to split into two over Rick. On the one hand I saw him as a blood-sucking little creep who had inveigled his way into my life by being nice and by tempting me with material things. On the other hand I was confronted with a very warm, gentle human being who genuinely wanted to help me and who was excited by the prospect of an adventure, who wanted to do a good job, and who cared. (Davidson) Chapter 5

They were gorgeous photos, no complaints there, but … Never let it be said that the camera does not lie. It lies like a pig in mud. It captures the projections of whoever happens to be using it, never the truth. (Davidson) Chapter 7

It was easier for me to see myself in Rick’s lens, riding down to the beach in that clichéd sunset, just as it was easier for me to stand with my friends and wave goodbye to the loopy woman with the camels, the itching smell of the dust around us, and in our eyes the fear that we had left so much unsaid. (Davidson) Chapter 12

Eddie

Eddie is the archetypal Indigenous elder. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the landscape which he shares with Davidson. Through his sharing of knowledge and time we see Eddie, or Mr Eddie as he is sometimes called, as a warm and generous man. He has remained open to experiences with Davidson despite the oppression he has experienced, but the wounds do not seem far below the surface as he recoils from the tourist’s attention and from Rick’s camera. His natural rhythm helps Davidson to slow down and appreciate the notion of time as it is displaced in the outback.

Davidson is with Eddie when he passes his wife and affectionately greets her. This small symbolic and loving gesture helps Davidson to understand the gender roles in Indigenous communities. Despite little language in common, their relationship grows and in many ways Davidson does not write about Eddie in gender terms like she does Kurt or Rick but describes the relationship in more of a soul mate or fellow pilgrim style.

Eddie Quotes

Aborigines. Warm, friendly, laughing, excited, tired Pitjantjara Aborigines, returning to Wingelinna and Pipalyatjara after a land rights meeting in Warburton. No fear there, they were comfortable with silence. No need to pretend anything. Billies of tea all round. Some sat by the fire and chatted, others drove on home. (Davidson) Chapter 8

The turmoil lasted all that day, but gradually faded as I relaxed into Eddie’s time. He was teaching me something about flow, about choosing the right moment for everything, about enjoying the present. I let him take over. (Davidson) Chapter 9

Kurt and Gladdy Posel

Austrian-born Kurt is a camel handler who lives near Alice Springs with his wife Gladdy. After approaching other camel experts in Alice Springs, Davidson makes an agreement with Kurt to work with him for camels and equipment. Kurt is fastidious and domineering and demands Davidson comply with seemingly trivial chores. Kurt does have skill in dealing with camels and shares his knowledge with Davidson but is demanding and cruel of Davidson and his camels. His nastiness is seen when he recklessly overturns a nest of crows impervious to the fate of the birds.

Davidson lives in fear of Kurt as he is quick to get angry and be aggressive. As time passes it is obvious he does not intend to honour his agreement to exchange camels for the service Davidson has given. After this, he moves away and sells the ranch.

Kurt’s wife, Gladdy, is a kind woman and a kindred spirit to Davidson. Gladdy also lives in fear of Kurt and shares Davidson’s view of Indigenous Australians. She is seen as kind and caring and a support for Davidson while she works for Kurt. When Davidson is at her lowest and contemplating suicide, it is Gladdy who talks her through the dark time. Eventually, Gladdy leaves Kurt and spends some time with Davidson at her place. Gladdy is a prime example of the trap that women can find themselves in when living in a remote area coupled with an abusive male.

Kurt and Gladdy Posel Quotes

I hated myself for my infernal cowardice in dealing with people. It is such a female syndrome, so much the weakness of animals who have always been prey. I had not been aggressive enough or stood up to him enough. And now this impotent, internal, angry stuttering. (Davidson) Chapter 1

This debilitating fear, this recognition of the full potential of Kurt’s hatred of me, and the knowledge that Kurt could and would hurt me very badly if I displeased him enough, was the catalyst which transformed my vague misery and sense of defeat into an overwhelming reality. The Kurts of this world would always win—there was no standing up to them—no protection from them. With this realization came a collapse: Everything I had been doing or thinking was meaningless, trivial, in the face of the existence of Kurt. (Davidson) Chapter 4

Diggity

Robyn Davidson’s dog arrives with her in Alice Springs. A constant companion he represents the reciprocal side to nature. A source of comfort when Davidson is afraid and even a sense of direction when she is lost, Diggity is a character in his own right. He is well-behaved and loyal and assumes the position of Davidson’s best friend on the trip. Although Davidson is given a leather muzzle for Diggity to prohibit him from eating poisoned baits, she chooses not to enforce its wearing as it seems uncomfortable for Diggity. Toward the end of the trip, Diggity ingests poison and Davidson has to shoot him. Davidson’s grief is evident affirming the tight bond between the pair.

Diggity Quotes

I felt vulnerable. Moonlight turned the shadows into inimical forms and I was so glad of Diggity’s warmth as we snuggled beneath the blankets that I could have squeezed her to death. (Davidson) Chapter 7

And that night I received the most profound and cruel lesson of all. That death is sudden and final and comes from nowhere. It had waited for my moment of supreme complacency and then it had struck. Late that night, Diggity took a poison bait. (Davidson) Chapter 10

Sallay Mahomet

In competition with Kurt, Sallay is a competent camel handler. He initially does not want to work with Davidson but after seeing her cruel treatment at the hands of Kurt as well as her tenacity, he becomes willing to help her. Unlike Kurt who is dishonest regarding his agreement, Sallay fulfils his agreement with Davidson and gives her two Camels, Kate and Zeleika.

Charlie’s Country

CHARLIE: David Gulpilil

Living in a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory, Charlie is a hunter and a traditional dancer whose glory days have faded. As the government intervention increased its influence over the community’s traditional way of life, Charlie became lost between two cultures. His new modern life offers him a way to survive but, ultimately, it is one he does not enjoy. From the food to the seemingly unrealistic laws and lack of housing, Charlie is frustrated. Finally fed up when his gun and his newly fashioned spear are confiscated, Charlie heads into the wild on his own to live a more traditional lifestyle. However, Charlie has experienced lung problems from years of smoking and this, coupled with the inclement weather, force him back to society. Disgruntled, he joins the longrassing community of Darwin. The encroachments of white society strangle him and he erupts, lashing out at the police.

Charlie is usually quiet and reflective. He spends time alone and when in the company of his friends he is a man of few words. He has a keen awareness of the changes in his culture. Despite the oppression he retains a keen sense of humour although the fracturing of his culture is a source of intense grief that will, at times, bring him to tears.

Charlie’s life is emblematic of the Indigenous struggle. He was once a proud cultural man, even dancing for the Queen of England at the opening of the Opera House in Sydney, and a competent tracker and hunter. However with laws and outside influences now dictating his lifestyle, he is a shell of his former self. Traditional lifestyle has been quashed by new laws and the introduction of vices such as alcohol, tobacco and marijuana have had their toll. Charlie questions why a white man can live in a house on Indigenous land and work at a job on Indigenous land while he, Charlie, remains poor and relatively homeless. Charlie’s final decision to teach children about dancing is a hopeful sign of continued traditions and culture.

BLACK PETE: Peter Djigirr

A loyal and stable friend to Charlie, Black Pete has in many ways found a niche in between two cultures. He lives in the community and has a job but is still able to spend time hunting. He is challenged by the same intrusive rules as Charlie, having had his car and buffalo impounded, but responds in a different manner. Exemplifying the compromises that are necessary in order live in harmony with the mainstream culture, Black Pete maintains his job, eventually training as a ranger and is issued with a gun license.

Blessed with a keen sense of humour, Black Pete never gives up on his friend. He finds him when he is sick in the bush, when he is locked up in prison and when he is off-track in Darwin. He joins Old Lulu in trying to preserve culture, in particular dance, by persuading Charlie to teach others.

POLICEMAN LUKE: Luke Ford

Luke had not wanted to be posted to a community but instead longed for the ‘high life’ of a city position. He is a young police officer and keen to do well. He has respect for Charlie but his loyalty is in upholding the law. The exchange between Luke and Charlie, when Luke lawfully confiscates Charlie’s spear on the grounds that it is a weapon and could cause harm, with Charlie contending it is a hunting spear and not a battle spear, is a prime example of the absurd misunderstandings which can arise when traditional Aboriginal culture and white bureaucracy are made to co-exist.

Luke opts to not hunt Charlie down after Charlie ‘borrows’ a vehicle from the police station. He feels he is betrayed when Charlie smashes a police car windscreen and explodes with cursing and fists. He accuses Charlie of treachery and loads him into the police van. Luke apologises for hitting Charlie after he has calmed down.

Criticised for not including overtly racist characters, it is notable that de Heer uses the more modern form of systemic racism through which to demonstrate the subtle ways that racism may be perpetrated. Instead of mindless, cruel violence and prejudice, Luke exerts his power over Charlie through his position as a police officer, using the system and its rules to oppress Charlie and his traditional way of living.

ERROL: Paul Blackwell

Errol is a community liaison officer who is happy just doing his job. Almost disinterested, he invites Charlie in to speak with him without even turning around to make eye contact. His ‘sit down’ command typifies the power disparity that exists between them despite their meeting taking place on Charlie’s traditional land. Errol has no answer for Charlie’s questions about why he cannot have what Errol has despite being the traditional owner of the land where Errol lives. He is dismissive of the personal nature of the request and in a governmental, bureaucratic way asks ‘anything else?’ before resuming his paperwork.

OLD LULU: Peter Minygululu

Old Lulu is a cultural stalwart and a constant in the changing life of Charlie. He believes that Charlie has a lot to offer and hopes he can pass on that knowledge to the children of the community.

Old Lulu dismisses the idea that Charlie should be hungry given the bush is filled with food. This traditional approach expounded by Old Lulu is idealistic to Charlie since his buffalo has been confiscated, his gun taken and his spear removed.

Old Lulu warns Charlie about breaking traditional laws when Charlie becomes intimate with a woman of the wrong skin group, thereby disrupting the ancient moiety system. He forgives Charlie’s transgression and seeks him out after prison to convince him to be a part of the cultural preservation.

GAZ: Gary Waddell

Gaz, one of two drug dealers in the area near the community, is known to Charlie. Gaz seeks out Charlie to help him hide out in the bush for a while when they are in trouble. Gaz in many ways represents the trouble that is seeking Charlie out rather than the reverse. He characterises the negative influences of white society on Indigenous people.

FAITH: Jennifer Budukpuduk Gaykamangu

Faith is a ‘longrasser’, a term encapsulating people who sleep rough around the urban centres. The practice of lying down in the long grass is viewed as living without the establishment of a formal campsite, sufficiently hid from the authorities. Faith is buying alcohol for friends when she meets Charlie. They have an intimate friendship but are soon in a repetitive cycle of drinking. Faith is banned from buying or receiving alcohol, restrictions placed upon her under the Intervention Act. Her lifestyle sadly exemplifies the consequences of the removal of hope.