Patricia Wrightson's "The Nargun and the Stars": A Story with Two Sides

Introduction

In the realm of literature, there exists a profound capacity to give voice to the marginalized, the misunderstood, and the "other." Margaret Mahy once remarked, "Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger." In the case of Patricia Wrightson's masterful work, "The Nargun and the Stars," this sentiment takes form as the narrative unfolds to present the "other" point of view. Critics have highlighted this shift in Wrightson's storytelling, a shift that becomes particularly evident in the interaction between young Simon, the Nargun, and the Potkoorok. This essay seeks to explore how the "other" perspective is manifested in the story and to dissect its significance in the broader context of environmentalism, human relationships, and the quest for belonging.

Simon's Quest: A Tale of Orphanhood and Belonging

To understand the emergence of the "other" perspective in "The Nargun and the Stars," one must first delve into the heart of the narrative. The story revolves around Simon, a recently orphaned boy who embarks on a quest for a sanctuary free from the ravages of humanity's machinery and the relentless march of progress. Simon's journey mirrors that of many who have been displaced, seeking solace in the arms of nature.

The initial conflict is set against the backdrop of the Nargun, a formidable stone creature that stands as an enigmatic embodiment of nature's fury and resilience. The Nargun, while perceived as a threat to humanity, is, in fact, a guardian of the land, reacting violently to the cacophony of human machines and the destruction they bring. This duality in the Nargun's character introduces the "other" perspective - it forces readers to question the very definition of 'monster' and 'protector.' The Nargun becomes a symbol of the misunderstood forces of nature that humanity so often antagonizes.

The Humans vs. the Nargun: An Environmental Allegory

The central conflict of the story - the clash between humans and the Nargun - serves as a powerful allegory for the environmental concerns that have become increasingly pressing in our world today. The humans represent the inexorable march of progress, characterized by machinery and its destructive consequences. The Nargun, on the other hand, symbolizes the natural world, the Earth itself, which fights back when pushed to the brink.

In this conflict, the narrative explicitly showcases the "other" perspective - the perspective of the land and its creatures that are voiceless in the face of human development. Wrightson's portrayal of the Nargun's rage at the noise of machinery serves as a visceral reminder of the havoc we wreak on the environment through our actions. The "other" here is not merely the Nargun; it is the entire ecosystem threatened by human encroachment.

The Potkoorok: A Playful 'Other'

Amidst the seriousness of the human-Nargun conflict, Wrightson introduces another mythical creature - the Potkoorok. This supernatural trickster, in stark contrast to the Nargun, brings a lighthearted and humorous element to the narrative. Its antics serve as a delightful subplot, offering readers a respite from the intensity of the central conflict.

The Potkoorok embodies the playful "other," challenging traditional notions of good and evil. It offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural and highlights the multifaceted nature of mythical creatures. In doing so, Wrightson introduces a layer of complexity that mirrors the nuances of life itself. The presence of the Potkoorok underscores the idea that the "other" is not a monolithic entity but a spectrum of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Environmentalism and the Right of Humanity

At its core, "The Nargun and the Stars" is a tale of environmentalism, a plea for the Earth's preservation and the importance of living in harmony with its inhabitants. The story forces readers to confront the ethical questions surrounding humanity's relentless pursuit of development at the expense of the environment. It challenges our right to destroy the natural world in the name of progress.

The "other" perspective presented through the Nargun's eyes serves as a powerful critique of human actions. It compels us to reevaluate our choices and the consequences they bear on the world around us. In the Nargun, readers find an unlikely advocate for the environment, a stone creature fighting desperately for the sanctity of its home.

The Meaning of Home and Belonging

Beyond its environmental message, "The Nargun and the Stars" delves into the profound concepts of home, family, and belonging. Simon's journey, marked by his search for a place where he truly belongs, resonates deeply with readers. His quest mirrors the universal human longing for a sense of home and connection.

The "other" perspective, in this context, extends to Simon himself as an orphan seeking a place of belonging. Through his experiences, the narrative underscores the idea that we are all "other" in some way, all seeking our own place in the world. It calls for empathy and understanding, acknowledging that every individual's journey is unique and worthy of respect.

Conclusion: The Significance of the 'Other' Perspective

In "The Nargun and the Stars," Patricia Wrightson masterfully weaves a narrative that presents the "other" perspective through the eyes of the Nargun, the Potkoorok, and young Simon. This perspective challenges preconceived notions, particularly in the realm of environmentalism, by highlighting the destructive impact of human progress on the natural world. It invites readers to empathize with the misunderstood forces of nature and consider the ethical implications of our actions.

Moreover, the story emphasizes the universal human longing for home and belonging, reminding us that we are all, in some way, "other." Wrightson's narrative underscores the importance of embracing diversity and respecting the multifaceted nature of the world.

In an era defined by environmental crises and growing social divisions, "The Nargun and the Stars" remains a poignant work that calls for reflection and action. It encourages us to listen to the "other" voices, whether they be the cries of the Earth or the yearnings of individuals like Simon, and to strive for a world where understanding, empathy, and coexistence prevail. As readers, we are tasked with the responsibility of heeding the "other" perspective, for it is through this lens that we can truly expand our hearts and effect positive change in the world.

💬 Key Elements

✅The Australian Landscape: At the heart of Patricia Wrightson's work is the rich portrayal of the Australian landscape. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the unique natural setting, incorporating Aboriginal mythology and mysticism. The land itself becomes a character, shaping the events and characters in the story.

✅Two Worlds Collide: The novel explores the collision of two worlds—the ancient, mystical world of Aboriginal mythology and the contemporary world of the European settlers. This clash gives rise to tension, mystery, and a deep exploration of cultural differences. The author skillfully weaves these two worlds together, creating a narrative that transcends time and cultural boundaries.

✅The Nargun: Central to the story is the enigmatic creature known as the Nargun. A creature from Aboriginal folklore, the Nargun embodies the raw power of the land. As a rock-like entity with a malevolent presence, it becomes a symbol of the ancient forces that coexist with, and at times resist, the intrusion of modern civilization.

✅Character Dynamics: The characters in the novel, representing both indigenous and settler communities, navigate the complexities of coexistence. The relationships formed reflect the broader dynamics between different cultures and their attempts to understand, reconcile, or resist one another. This exploration of character dynamics serves as a microcosm of the broader social and cultural tensions in Australia.

✅The Stars: In contrast to the earthbound Nargun, the stars play a significant role in the narrative. Symbolizing the celestial and the transcendent, the stars become a source of hope, wonder, and a connection to something beyond the immediate conflicts on Earth. This dual symbolism of the stars adds layers to the narrative, suggesting that amidst earthly struggles, there is a cosmic perspective to consider.

✅Environmental Themes: Wrightson's work is infused with environmental themes, addressing the impact of human activities on the land. The Nargun, as a guardian of the natural world, becomes a metaphor for the consequences of ecological imbalance. The novel prompts readers to reflect on their relationship with the environment and the need for a harmonious coexistence with nature.

(Personal Tone:

I first read The Nargun and the Stars when I was a child. I was immediately drawn to the story's rich mythology and its complex characters. I was also struck by Wrightson's willingness to explore difficult topics such as environmental destruction and the loss of innocence.

As an adult, I appreciate The Nargun and the Stars even more. I am particularly impressed by Wrightson's presentation of the 'other' point of view. She shows the reader the world from the Nargun's perspective, and she forces the reader to question their own assumptions about humanity's place in the world.

The Nargun and the Stars is a powerful and moving story that has stayed with me long after I first read it. It is a story that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.)

Ardhendu De

Reference

Spirits, J. K. C. (2018, December 21). The Nargun And The Stars (Book). Creative Spirits. https://www.creativespirits.info/resources/books/the-nargun-and-the-stars