Whispers of the Wild: Nature's Myths and Hallucinatory Visions in Patrick White's Voss
Jane Theresa1, Dr. R. Shanthi2, Dr. G. Vasuki3,
1Research Scholar, A.V.V.M Sripushpam
College, Affliated to Bharathidasan University, Poondi, Thanjavur,
613503, teresajanejenson@gmail.com
2Associate Professor, A.V.V.M Sripushpam College, Affliated to
Bharathidasan University, Poondi, Thanjavur, 613503
3Assistant Professor, A.V.V.M Sripushpam College, Affliated to
Bharathidasan University, Poondi, Thanjavur, 613503
ABSTRACT
Voss, Patrick White's fifth novel, revolves around the historical figure Ludwig Leichhardt, a 19th-century Prussian explorer who met his end during an Australian expedition. While myth typically involves legendary stories of heroes, the protagonist, Johann Ulrich Voss, undertaking a journey across the Australian continent in 1845, may not fit the mold of traditional heroes like Hercules or Odysseus. Nevertheless, Voss achieves his mission with a sense of self-satisfaction and contentment. White delves into profound aspects of human life, exploring inner meanings that convey deep truths. The significance of suffering and misery on the path to wisdom permeates his fiction. Voss, an ambitious explorer, is counterpointed by Laura Trevelyan, sharing his flawlessness. The novel incorporates the supernatural, intertwining insightful hallucinations and various myths. As Voss leads his expedition through the interior deserts of Australia, the hallucinations provide a captivating glimpse into a diverse environment. Despite the ultimate failure of the journey, the novel suggests a spiritual success. The painful expedition becomes a journey of self-discovery through revelatory experiences during challenging times. The intense mystery persists until the expedition's end. Both Voss and Laura lead lives intimately connected to nature, believing in its magical power. Voss undergoes a transformation, turning the physical journey into a profound psychological exploration. The relationship between Voss and Laura is portrayed as a soulful exchange, where unspoken words are heard through a form of telepathy or extrasensory perception, bypassing conventional communication channels.
Keywords: Myth, Hallucination, Telepathy, Self-revelation, Psychological Myth.
