Those are the descriptions of the main character that the writer finds from the c
haracter‟s behavior in the story. The characterization of the character is got by applying the theory of character and characterization. It is got from the speech,
direct comment, reaction, and the thought of the character itself.
B. The Discriminations done by the whites towards Alice
The main character in the novel receives some unfair treatments done by the whites. The discrimination includes race and culture. The whites force
aborigines to follow their rule, their religion, and also to learn their history. The whites want the aborigines to accept Western perspective. In this part, the writer
discusses the unfair treatments that Alice faces when she does her activities which show the white‟s superiority.
1. Alice in the Hospital
Aboriginal women were not allowed in the main ward in the hospital. When Alice had fever and was very sick, she ended up in the hospital. This
hospital was Meekatharra Hospital. It was very different for Aboriginal women in those days. Alice was separated from other women. “We weren‟t allowed in the
main ward where all other women would be, we had to be kept separate in a little place that was just like a meat-
house” Nannup 1992:155. Alice uses pronoun “We” which means that it is not only her that is being
separated, but also the other Aborigine women. The white women do not want to be in the same place with Aborigine. The white want Aboriginal women to be in a
little place. Alice said that they have to be kept separate in a little place that was
just like a meat-house. The meat-house can be meant a small house where smoke used to cure meat or fish. It is where the meat stored. The little “meat-house” that
Alice means here can be a disgusting or dark place. It can also a kind of stinky
place, which may be not suitable for human.
2. Alice in the Hall
Aborigines were not allowed into the hall where there is a Canadian Barn Dance. It is only a dance for white people. Although Alice only stayed outside the
hall, she still was not allowed there. This was a dance for white people only,Alice wasnot allowed into the hall, she should stay out on the ramp. Alice stood there
watchingeveryone dancing around enjoying themselves.While Alice was standing
outside, the MC came and said that Alice was not allowed there.
After this particular dance was over the MC came out to me and said „Can I help you?‟ „Oh no, I‟m just watching the dancing,‟ I said. „Well, now that
it‟s finished,‟ he said, „I want you to leave, because you‟re not allowed to be here you know Nannup 1992:160.
The MC asked Alice to go away from the hall. Actually, Alice just saw the dance from outside, but she still could not be there. The whites did not feel
comfortable with the present of Alice there. They did not want Alice saw their dance practice. That was why the MC wanted Alice to leave. The whites wanted
to stay away from Aborigine. Wherever the whites met Aborigine, Aborigine was always chased away.
3. Alice in the Cafe
If there was alcohol, white people will not allow Aborigines to be there or
anywhere where alcohol was being served. “Besides, if they had alcohol there then that cancelled us out because we weren‟t allowed to be on a licensed premise,
or anywhere where alcohol was bei ng served.” Nannup 1992:161.
If an Aboriginal person was caught drinking alcohol they would get a sixmonth gaol sentence Nannup 1992:181. Alcohol is usually served in a café,
restaurant, or in a party. The Aborigine could not be there. Alcohol was usually drunk when there were a special occasion or to celebrate something. The
Aborigine could not be anywhere where alcohol is served and caught drinking alcohol or they would get a six month gaol sentence. It was also a threat for the
Aborigine to not drink alcohol, so that they could not have fun while drink alcohol. It meant that the Aborigine could not join the whites to have fun in a
party, or any events.
4. Alice in a Boarding House
Aboriginal family had to find someone to recommend a place to rent. Even if they had money, they could not find a place to rent. White people had the
first option there. Alice was speechless knowing that. She felt terrible, but she said that she was not living there because she wanted to. She had four kids, and
s
teady work wasn‟t easy to get.
Even if you had the money you couldn‟t just go and find a place to rent – white people had first option there. If you were an Aboriginal family you
had to get someone to recommend you for a place to rent Nannup 1992:167.
