Land as “Terrain of the Conscious” in David Malouf’s Fly Away Peter - Summary

Frederick, Suresh (2021). “Land as “Terrain of the Conscious” in David Malouf’s Fly Away Peter” (Co-author: Silvia Olives G) in Dogo Rangsang Research Journal ISSN : 2347-7180 Vol-08 Issue-14 No. 03: 2021. 221-226.

https://www.journal-dogorangsang.in/no_3_Book_21/35.pdf

 

Summary

In the article “Land as ‘Terrain of the Conscious’ in David Malouf’s Fly Away Peter”, Suresh Frederick and Silvia Olives G. explore how Malouf presents the landscape not just as setting, but as a psychological and philosophical force,what they term the “terrain of the conscious.” The authors argue that in Fly Away Peter, land becomes an active cognitive realm where inner consciousness and external environment intertwine, shaping the protagonist Jim’s identity and worldview.

Frederick and Olives examine how the Australian estuary (the bird sanctuary) operates as a space of deep mental engagement. Through intricate descriptions of Jim Saddler’s birdwatching, the land becomes a mirror of inner thought—its features helping Jim form memories, spiritual connections, and ecological insight. The terrain fosters a unique awareness that transcends physical boundaries, encouraging readers to see landscape as a reflective, transformative medium.

The paper highlights key narrative instances: Jim’s intimate knowledge of every blade of grass and bird plumage; his resistance to the intrusive biplane; his reflective immersion in the estuary’s natural rhythms, all showcase how consciousness emerges through and within place. The land thus becomes a psychological container, shaping perception and memory.

The essay also engages with the shifting landscapes induced by war. On the Western Front, war-ravaged land contrasts sharply with the estuary, signaling a rupture in the conscious terrain. Here, consciousness fractures; Jim’s identity unravels amid destruction. Yet, his memories of the estuary persist in his mind's “terrain,” affirming the enduring power of place in sustaining inner life under threat.

Key Points Highlighted:

• Land as cognitive space – the physical landscape shapes thought, memory, and identity.
• Ecological consciousness – Jim’s bond with place fosters ecological empathy.
• Contrast between peace and war – traumatic landscapes disrupt the “terrain of the conscious.”
• Memory and continuity – the estuary’s sensory details ground Jim’s psyche, even amid violence.

Frederick and Olives conclude that Malouf’s novel positions land as more than backdrop—it is a living cognitive force central to narrative and consciousness. By portraying the natural world as a terrain of thought, Fly Away Peter exemplifies how literature can bridge ecological awareness and interior experience.