Lockhart's relationship to his surroundings

Another aspect that you should focus on in your essay on “The Traveller” by Ryan O’Neil is the protagonist’s relationship to his surroundings. As we have mentioned in previous sections, Richard is clearly uncomfortable in his hometown and in his sister’s house. At first, we see him feeling lost, disliking what he sees on the streets: “Lockhart was lost. He crossed a border of shade to stand in the sunlight, looking around for a sign.” (ll. 1-2)

It is clear Lockhart feels like a stranger in the city and feels more connected to places from the past, cities in Africa: “It might have been in Mogadishu. Since he had returned to Australia, everything he saw reminded him of something.” (ll. 10-11)

In the house, Richard acts selfishly. He uses all the hot water taking a shower without any concern for his nephew and sister. Furthermore, he is irritated by the music Paul listens to:

“Lockhart stood in the shower for ten minutes, until all the hot water was gone. As he dried himself he could hear mu...