Oriel and Lester - character analysis of Cloudstreet
... first character to be aware of Fish’s accident and alerts everyone else. “She leaps to her feet. Lord Jesus, something just falls through the bottom of her heart. She startles the others… Lest?” (pg29) Simultaneously this quote reveals that Oriel still has faith in her husband as someone she can turn to for help (unlike later in the novel). Seen in her use of the pet name Lest instead of Lester. The scene of Fish drowning reveals the very essence of both Lester and Oriel through the way each responds to the incident. Unlike Oriel who is alert, “Lester Lamb could not see. He could only feel water and net and panic.” Oriel however “leaps” into action to save her favourite son. “Blessed blessed Saviour, bring him back. Show us all they tender mercy and bring this boy back… Lord Jesus WHUMP! Saviour Jesus… WHUMP!” This quote however doesn’t only show her determination but belief in Christ -while onomatopoeia is used to enforce her fierce, stubborn and determined character. Winton metaphorically describes Oriel and Lester’s difference by referring to them as “a little square box of a woman and her plank-lanky husband.” (pg55) Though not only their physical appearances are complete opposites, but their natures are as well. This however reinforces a sense of harmony as each needs the other. Oriel Lamb is also describe to us through other character’s perspectives. Such as Dolly, who finds her to be an uptight and strict woman. “Oriel Lamb mouthed off a lot about work and stickability until you felt like sticking a bloody bility right up her drawers.” It is this trait in Oriel that causes her so much grief as she feels abandoned by both Fish and Quick. Oriel and Lester’s relationship also lacks passion, but is based more rather on mateship and support. “Lester and Oriel went to bed bonesore but grateful. It was a time when they talked like the old comrades they were.” (pg62) In the following pages is dialogue between the pair which also highlights the differences betw...