Abstract
Australian literature includes many different literary genres, from poetry to autobiography, and its history is, like that of Australia, quite recent. Among Australian writers, Patrick White stands out, mainly because contrary to many Australian writers, his works are not solely based on the history of his mother country, but have a more universal reach. This is also true for is novel, ?The Aunt's Story', first published in 1948. This intimate tale deals with the peregrinations, both physical and mental, of an atypical woman: Theodora Goodman. Divided into three parts, Meroë, the Jardin exotique and Holstius, the novel recounts Theodora Goodman's ascent through life. In this extract, situated in the first part of the novel, Meroë, describes Theodora Goodman's first dealings with a man of good society: Huntly Clarkson. Through their encounter, the author allows the reader to peek into the world of good society. One can rightfully wonder what Theodora Goodman's place is, in the world of Huntly Clarkson. Though at first the author seems to outline a most ideal and wealthy setting as the world of Huntly Clarkson, Theodora Goodman does not seem to fit into it, and this seemingly glorious world soon turns out to be a shallow microcosm of decaying human beings and values.
