The character of Dolly is described as a beautiful woman who is lazy, irresponsible and an alcoholic who desperately attempts to hold onto her youth through engaging in sexual activities. Dolly is the anthesis of what we expect a mother to be.

Rose is the daughter of Dolly. Rose is full of dreams and ambition however this potential for greatness is hindered by the fact that she must at such a young age take on the responsibility of her family. Rose learns to cook and clean, and even though she has a strong desire to stay in school she does the selfless thing and leaves to get a job and help su

The river is very significant because it is where a lot of action takes place and the river symbolizes continuity and change. When Fishs accident takes place Quick feels somewhat responsible and very guilty. However Quick and Fish have a very strong relationship, when Quick leaves Fish becomes very depressed and somehow Fish also knows when Quick is coming back. Also after the accident Fish can no longer remember Oriel, this may be because Oriel brought Fish back to life and in turn separated Fish into a physical living body and his mental/spiritual side that was lost to the river.

But this negativity is not all one way. Dolly also feels resentment towards her daughter. Dolly desperately attempts to hold onto her youth through sex and alcohol. However her aging is inevitable. "Smoke and grog were curing her." Dolly sees that Rose is a beautiful young woman which is what Dolly desperately wishes to be again and therefore she feels jealousy towards young Rose.

The House is also very significant. It has its own history. A history of pain and suffering that was experienced by the Aboriginal women forced into it. However the birth of Wax Harry removes this past evil that had remained in the house. The house was transformed through all that the families experienced in it together, their ups and downs, it was transformed from a house to a home. And it is only when the two families finally come to an understanding of one another and reconciliation occurs that. " The house breathes its first painless breath in half a centaury."

This conflict between the two characters effects their lives in many ways and impede on their growth and development. Both characters are longing for a home, a place of comfort that has the potential for a loving relationship. When the characters finally embark on their reconciliation it takes place in a hospital. The hospital symbolizes repair as sick people enter a hospital and leave better, this is symbolic to Rose and Dollys relationship, which goes from really bad to reaching an understanding in the hospital. Rose goes to visit Dolly in the hospital after Sam convinces her to. It is in this hospital that Dolly shares with Rose her desire to become a grandmother and how she would treat her grandchildren differently if given the chance. It is also at this point that Dolly shares with Rose her secret. Which is Dollys

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1589
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)