Water is a major element throughout the story- its absence, its bounty and its allure. After the accidents which both occurred through ‘water’ activities – the story takes us away from water for a short while.
But once settled in the house, we are reminded it is never far away. Bob Crab and his young boys lead a life bound to the nearby river. They draw us back to the water – and help us sense its powerful proximity to No 1. Cloud Street.
Poverty
Dire poverty forces the Lambs and Pickles to make decisions and change their established lives. Examining poverty and its impact is pertinent to the understanding of the story line and character development.