Robbery Under Arms · Chapter
XXIII explained
Dick Marston reflects on the transformative impact of the 1850s gold rush on New South Wales, describing the influx of fortune-seekers, the chaos in Sydney, and the opportunities for outlaws like himself and Starlight.
What happens
Dick Marston reflects on the transformative impact of the 1850s gold rush on New South Wales, describing the influx of fortune-seekers, the chaos in Sydney, and the opportunities for outlaws like himself and Starlight. They decide to lay low in the Hollow, engaging in hunting and fishing. Starlight reveals the story of a hermit who lived and died in a nearby hut. A tense family debate ensues about whether to surrender or continue their outlaw life, with Dad Marston fiercely opposing surrender and Jim torn between family loyalty and concern for his mother and sister.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Australia and the Gold Rush
The gold rush dominates the chapter, transforming society and creating opportunities for outlaws.
Family and Loyalty
The Marston family debates loyalty to each other versus the desire to protect their mother and sister.
Fate and Free Will
Characters grapple with whether to surrender to fate or continue fighting, with Starlight and Dad Marston choosing defiance.
Characters to notice
- Dick Marston
Narrator; reflects on the gold rush and debates the future with family.
- Captain Starlight
Weak but resolute; tells the story of the hermit and advocates for a decision on surrender.
- Jim Marston
Torn between family loyalty and the desire to spare his mother and sister further shame.
- Dad Marston
Fiercely opposes surrender, vowing to fight to the death and condemning any talk of giving in.
- Warrigal
Brings news from outside; knows the hermit's story and assists with hunting and fishing.
- Aileen Marston
Mentioned as breaking her heart over the family's situation.
- Mother Marston
Mentioned as dying fast, a reason for Jim's consideration of surrender.
Key passages
“The whole country was full of absconders and deserters, servants, shepherds, shopmen, soldiers, and sailors—all running away from their work, and making in a blind sort of way for the diggings, like a lot of caterpillars on the march.”
The gold rush caused a mass exodus of workers from all walks of life, all heading to the diggings in a chaotic, instinctive migration.
Dick describes the overwhelming impact of the gold rush on colonial society.
“If you go and sell yourself to a lagging, because a couple of women cry and whine over what can’t be helped, and what other women have to stand and make the best of, you’re no son of mine.”
Dad Marston angrily rejects Jim's suggestion of surrender, accusing him of weakness and betraying the family's defiant spirit.
Dad's fierce opposition to surrender highlights the theme of family loyalty and pride.