Surgeon White in Jackie French's historical novel Nanberry: Black Brother White is Dr. John White, the Chief Surgeon of the First Fleet and a prominent figure in the early days of the penal colony at Port Jackson. He is portrayed as an enigmatic hero who, despite yearning for a return to England and a "normal" family life, establishes a home in the nascent colony.
Dr. John White: A Complex Figure in Early Colonial Sydney
Dr. John White's character in Nanberry is central to the narrative, particularly through his relationship with the young Aboriginal boy, Nanberry, whom he fosters. His personal aspirations often conflict with the harsh realities and demands of the new settlement in Australia.
Character and Motivations
- Enigmatic Hero: Surgeon White is depicted as a complex individual. While committed to his duties, he harbors a strong desire to leave the new colony, finding it unimpressive and longing for a different life back in England.
- Yearning for Home: A significant aspect of his character is his deep wish to return to England, where he envisions a traditional family life, contrasting sharply with his unconventional existence in Port Jackson.
Surgeon White's Household in Port Jackson
Despite his yearning for England, Surgeon White creates a unique family unit within the challenging environment of the early colony. His household becomes a melting pot of different lives and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse and often unplanned communities forming in the new settlement.
| Role | Name | Relationship to Surgeon White | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Son | Nanberry | An Aboriginal boy he fosters | Nanberry, named after his clan, is taken in by Surgeon White and becomes a pivotal character, bridging two cultures. |
| Illegitimate Son | Andrew | His biological child | The presence of his son, Andrew, further complicates his personal life and aspirations for a "normal" family in England. |
| Servant | Rachel | A member of his household | Rachel assists in the running of his home and is part of his unconventional family structure. |
| Pet | O'possum | An animal companion | The inclusion of a pet o'possum highlights the unique adaptations to life in the new Australian environment. |
Through his fostering of Nanberry and the establishment of his diverse household, Surgeon White embodies the personal struggles and unexpected connections that arose during the foundation of the Australian colony. His story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and human experiences of the First Fleet and early European settlement.
For more information on the historical context of the novel, you can explore details about the First Fleet.
