# The Bush and Outlaw Life in Robbery Under Arms

> Theme guide for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

The Australian bush is portrayed as both a refuge and a prison, with the 'Hollow' serving as a secret hideout that enables the gang's exploits while also isolating them from society and honest living.

## Where it surfaces

- [Robbery Under Arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/robbery-under-arms): The chapter establishes the bush as both a refuge and a stage for lawlessness, with the Marston family's cattle duffing and evasion of the law.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/ii): The remote setting and the father's cattle duffing operations illustrate the outlaw culture of the Australian bush.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/iv): The rugged terrain of Broken Creek and the hidden gully serve as the backdrop for the outlaw activity, emphasizing the bush as both refuge and site of lawlessness.
- [Terrible Hollow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/v): The chapter vividly depicts the secret hideout of Terrible Hollow, a natural fortress used for cattle duffing, and the skills required to navigate the harsh bush.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/vi): The Hollow is depicted as a refuge and a trap; the allure of horseflesh and adventure is contrasted with the grim reality of violence and moral decay.
- [The Toss of a Coin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xi): The setting in the remote bush, the use of hidden camps, and the camaraderie among outlaws highlight the allure and danger of the outlaw life.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xii): The contrast between the freedom of the bush and the dangers of the city is evident as the brothers enjoy Adelaide's novelties while feeling trapped by the threat of arrest.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xix): The escape and the promise of freedom in the bush contrast with the tomb-like prison, celebrating the outlaw's connection to the land.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xx): The night ride through the bush, navigating by stars and evading police, epitomizes the freedom and danger of the outlaw existence.
- [Homecoming and Resolve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxi): Starlight embraces a short, merry life as an outlaw, and the family prepares to flee to the Hollow, a hidden refuge.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxii): The Hollow is depicted as a natural fortress and refuge for the outlaws, emphasizing their separation from society.
- [The Ballabri Bank Robbery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxvii): The Hollow serves as an impenetrable hideout, symbolizing the freedom and safety of the bush for outlaws, while the gang debates the risks of leaving their familiar territory.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxviii): The Hollow provides a refuge but also breeds restlessness; the outlaws balance hiding with forays into town life.
- [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxiii): The bush serves as both a refuge and a site of ambush; Billy the Boy exemplifies the bush telegraph network.
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxv): The gang's restless idleness in the Hollow and the planning of the gold escort robbery highlight the precarious, lawless existence of bushrangers.
- [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxvi): The chapter vividly depicts the gang's bush hideout, horse culture, and the planning of a major robbery, central to the outlaw experience.
- [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxvii): The gang's confinement in the Hollow and their reliance on remote stations and hidden caches illustrate the harsh realities of outlaw existence in the Australian bush.
- [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxviii): The chapter details the bushrangers' mobility, use of the landscape, and the constant threat of betrayal or capture.
- [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xl): The chapter emphasizes the dangers and strategies of bush life, including tracking, ambushes, and the constant threat of capture.
- [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xliv): Describes the widespread bushranging, robberies, and the cat-and-mouse game with police across the countryside.
- [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xlvi): Dick and Starlight navigate the Turon races under disguise, blending into society while planning illicit activities.
- [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xlviii): The gang's hideout at the Hollow and their reliance on bush resources (hay, stabling) underscore their outlaw existence.
- [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/li): The chapter centers on bushranging activities, including the planned rendezvous at the Black Stump and the attempted robbery of a traveler.
- [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/liii): The Hollow serves as a hideout and base for dividing spoils and planning escape, highlighting the precarious existence of bushrangers.
- [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/liv): The chapter centers on the fugitive existence of the Marstons, their escape through the bush, and the constant danger of exposure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/themes/the_bush_and_outlaw_life
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/themes