Early European settlers did not understand that, as the original inhabitants of Australia, Aboriginal people had a right to the land, however they did not claim ownership of it for their possession. However, Aboriginal people belonged to Australia and its natural environment. Kate Grenville analyzes the concepts of belonging and alienation in her novel "The Secret River" through her manipulation of aesthetic features, characterization and setting to solidify their understanding of the protagonist William Thornhill, through Thornhill, it is evident that ownership does not necessarily guarantee a sense of belonging, unlike the Aborigines, Thornhill strove to manipulate the realm of land into his possession, but was continually alienated. Say no to plagiarism measure on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The symbolism of brands throughout the novel is exploited to emphasize Thornhill's ongoing attempts to assert ownership over the land. The signs represent the disjunction between man and nature. Thornhill's belief that he has a right to the land is explicitly portrayed in three episodes; when Thornhill carves a map into the dust to show Aboriginal people his land tenure (p196); when the land is "marked with dark spots" (p309) after the massacre; and the construction of a high stone wall around the perimeter of his property (p318). Thornhill carving a map shows the vain attempt to communicate and influence Aboriginal men with the European philosophy of land ownership. However, due to a lack of mutual understanding, massacre occurs, describing the violent domination of natural environments and its inhabitants. The resulting stain marks the land and makes the new European owners superior; the earth enslaved, rather than in harmony. The symbolism is reiterated with the construction of a high stone wall. The wall is a barrier between man and nature. Thornhill attempts to control the land. Ironically, his quest for dominance results in his alienation from others and his environment. The symbolism highlights that a sense of belonging cannot be purchased, but is achieved through mutual openness and respect, without walls. Characterization plays a significant role in further establishing the concept of isolation and belonging. Thornhill's character is consciously constructed to remain suggestive. The name William Thornhill is “common as dirt” (p11). This makes the reader perceive it as irrelevant. He identifies himself as "nothing but a shadow" (p11). Thornhill's ambiguous characterization communicates his lack of belonging. Its shadow-like nature has no solid form. Grenville intentionally depicted him this way to illustrate his inability to make connections with others and even himself. Thornhill's lack of belonging has continued despite changing circumstances. He had humble beginnings as a petty thief, but rises to a man of status through land and money. Thornhill earns the respect of others and disguises himself in the form of a gentleman he has always aspired to become. Despite his outward success, his internal world remained the same; Thornhill perceived that material success would make him worthy of belonging. However, once he obtained such status, his belief did not materialize as he could not consolidate his nature and remained a shadow. The gap between his external wealth and internal poverty and self-perception of being a boy thief remained, resulting in his continued isolation. Thornhill's ingenious characterization cleverly clarifies his infinity.