The Black Opal · Question
How does The Black Opal develop the theme of Obsession and Fascination with Opal?
Answer
The Black Opal by Katharine Susannah Prichard develops Obsession and Fascination with Opal across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Black opal exerts a powerful, almost mystical hold on characters like Michael, Paul, and the Armitages, driving their dreams, actions, and moral dilemmas, often blurring the line between reverence and greed.
Paul's overwhelming excitement about the opal strike overshadows his wife's death, highlighting the obsession with opal.
The men display a worshipful appreciation of black opal, and Paul is childlike in his fascination with the stones.
Dawe Armitage's passion for black opal and the mesmerising effect of the stones on beholders highlight the theme of obsession.
Evidence in the book
- I
Paul's overwhelming excitement about the opal strike overshadows his wife's death, highlighting the obsession with opal.
- III
The men display a worshipful appreciation of black opal, and Paul is childlike in his fascination with the stones.
- X
Dawe Armitage's passion for black opal and the mesmerising effect of the stones on beholders highlight the theme of obsession.
- XI
Armitage admits the opal business has 'got' him; Dawe hoards stones like a child; Snowshoes loves opal more than money; the story of opal corrupting guards illustrates its mesmerizing power.
- XII
Michael's dream of finding a great black opal and his reverence for beautiful stone are explored.
- XIV
Sophie's necklace, made from opals given by miners, and the opal earrings and brooch she wears highlight the central role of opals in the community's identity and personal adornment.
- I
Michael is deeply captivated by the beauty and mystery of the opals, spending time in rapt contemplation of their colors and fire.
- III
Michael's mesmerization by Paul's opals and Potch's knobby reveals the hypnotic power of opal, leading to moral decay.
