Early European settlers did not understand that as the first inhabitants of Australia, the Aborigines had a right to the land, but they did not claim ownership of it for their possession However, Aboriginal people belonged to Australia and its natural environment. Kate Grenville addresses the concepts of belonging and alienation in her novel "The Secret River" through her manipulation of aesthetic characteristics, of the. characterization and context to solidify their understanding of the protagonist William Thornhill, it is evident that ownership does not necessarily guarantee a sense of belonging. in his possession, but he has been continually alienated. Say No to Plagiarism Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The symbolism of marks throughout the novel is exploited to emphasize Thornhill's perpetual attempts to assert ownership of the land. The brands represent the disjunction between man and nature. Thornhill's belief in the right to land is explicitly described in three incidents; when Thornhill carves a map in the dust to show native men his possession of land (p. 196); when the dirt is “marked with dark spots” (p. 309) after the massacre; and building a high stone wall around the perimeter of his property (p318). Thornhill carving a map shows the futile attempt to communicate and influence native men with the European philosophy of land ownership. However, due to a lack of mutual understanding, the massacre ensues, illustrating the forced domination of natural environments and their inhabitants. The resulting stain marks the land and makes the new European owners its “superiors”; the enslaved land, as opposed to harmony. The symbolism is reiterated with the construction of a high stone wall. The wall is a barrier between men and nature. Thornhill attempts to control the territory. Ironically, his quest for domination results in his alienation from others and his environment. The symbolism shows that the feeling of belonging cannot be bought, it is obtained through openness and mutual respect, without walls. Characterization plays an important role in establishing the concept of isolation and belonging. Thornhill's character is consciously constructed to remain allusive. The name William Thornhill is “as common as the earth” (p. 11). This leads the reader to perceive it as unimportant. He identifies himself as “nothing more than a shadow” (p. 11). Thornhill's ambiguous characterization communicates his lack of belonging. His shadow nature has no solid form. Grenville intentionally depicted him this way to illustrate his inability to connect with others and with himself. Thornhill's lack of belonging is ongoing despite changing circumstances. He rose from humble beginnings as a petty thief, but rose to a man of status through land and money. Thornhill gains the respect of others and disguises himself as the gentleman he has always aspired to become. Despite his external success, his inner world remained the same; Thornhill understood that material success would make him worthy of belonging. However, once he achieved such status, his belief did not come to fruition as he could not solidify his nature and remained a shadow. The discrepancy between his outer wealth and his inner poverty and his perception of being a thief boy persisted, leading to his continued isolation. Thornhill's ingenious characterization.