The Traveller Character Analysis

The Traveller
Where do we belong? Whom do we love? We do not meet these two questions very often, because we have always known the answer. We belong with our loved ones, we belong at home, and we love our friends and family. However, is it possible that we can forget things like that, that we forget where we belong and whom we love? Maybe if you travel your entire life without coming home it might be possible to forget where it is you belong or even the people you once loved. Ryan O’Neill has written the novel “The Traveller”, where this comes to focus. A man who doesn’t belong the place he once called home and who has forgotten his loved ones.
The story takes place in today’s Australia, or more specific in Narelle’s house and the surrounding streets. The

It refers to Lockhart, who have travelled a great deal. When you read the novel, you get the feeling that he is a traveler who never comes home. “It might have been in Mogadishu. Since he had returned to Australia, everything he saw reminded him of something.” This quote tells us that the place and the people in Australia is unfamiliar to him and that everything he sees only reminds him of Africa instead of memories of the previous time he was home.
Another aspect to reflect on is his reaction to his sister’s sickness. It’s clear that Lockhart feels uncomfortable. “Lockhart looked away.” This quote is from when Lockhart looks at his sister’s scar, it illustrates that he feels uncomfortable looking at the effect of her cancer. “He had little desire to become person in the dialogue, but he knew what questions were expected. “What did the doctor say?”. This give a clear insight in his wish to avoid the conversation.
There are two core themes in this short novel. The feeling of not belonging is the first one, it shows itself in Lockhart and how he does not feel like he belongs home with his sister. The following theme concerns