Needless to say, there are more than five things we can appreciate — things that are worth thinking about, to be more accurate — about The Thorn Birds (TV, 1983), from the acting to the writing that perfectly translates the scandalous nature of this tragic brick-thick novel. But for now, let us stick with five basic things before moving on to dissect the rest.
*This article is based on the 1983 TV show The Thorn Birds, not the novel from which it was adapted.
**Spoilers Ahead
1. Who Does Ralph Love Most: Meggie, God, or Himself?
“But I love God more” — Father de Bricassart’s favorite excuse for all of his actions.
But does he really love God more?
It is a question the story constantly presents to its characters and readers, and with it comes an even more challenging – and rather cheeky — question.
Who is the “God” that is being referred to throughout? Is he that powerful being whose mercy we are all under, or is “God” here always more about the ambition within Ralph than anything, his need to strive for perfection and to prove that he is above mortal men?
Ralph is quite serious about his love for God. God fills him in a way nothing and no one else can, or so he claims. But surely one can love God and spread God’s love without an enormous fortune and a residence at the Vatican?
In the end, Ralph betrays his sacred vows, he also betrays Meggie. The only thing he doesn’t betray is his life-long ambition to don the cardinal robe.
2. The Meggie and Luke Dynamic
This is a marriage that is wrong from the beginning. Meggie is so desperate to forget Ralph that she rushes into Luke’s arms, unable to see his ambitious side that is clear from day one.
Luke likes Meggie, all right. But to him, she is another prize to win, to satisfy his need to be seen as manly. From the start of their relationship, his chivalrous acts, and his words of understanding are no more but means to conquer Meggie like breaking a horse.
It isn’t a relationship worth rooting for in any way; and don’t we all feel the satisfaction when Meggie humiliates Luke in front of all his friends, the friends he is so desperate to impress.
But one does wonder whether things would have been different between them had they met later down the line, had Meggie truly loved Luke and had Luke passed his phase of needing to prove his worth to the world.
3. A Son for a Son
Meggie: Dane is coming home for Christmas.
God: I don’t think so, Meg.
Ralph: My punishment for breaking my vows is never to be certain again.
God: Nope, that’s not it.
Dane’s death is one of the most tragic things in The Thorn Birds, especially if you think of it in terms of God taking revenge on Meggie for… er… daring to kiss Ralph on a beach.
But it is also a much-needed twist for this tragedy to conclude.
Ralph has always been so adamant about his faith in God’s mercy. He lectures people about it, rather arrogantly too. Dude even has the guts to say to Meggie after a fire which killed her father and brother that at least God saved the rose garden. There’s no denying that Ralph needs this blow to fully realize his own arrogance and pride. A chance to grieve like any man.
Meggie suffers much more in this relationship, and her suffering becomes her daughter’s suffering when she neglects Justine in favour of Dane. Would she have turned around and embraced Justine had it not been for this wake-up call? Perhaps. But when, and would it have been too late for Justine then?
Well, these people learn, but Dane is the price for their lesson.
4. Vittorio — the Old Fox
The challenges Vittorio puts Ralph through are some of the most entertaining moments in the show.
Why don’t we book you a flight to your girl, and see if you still think of God then? Yes, he sends one of his priests to a woman that priest is deeply in love with to see what happens.
Vittorio is a true friend and a mentor figure to Ralph. He is wise and loyal, but not without a Machiavellian streak.
When Ralph returns with the confession that he has betrayed God – meaning he and Meggie have done the deed, not only does Vittorio give Ralph no punishment, he also sees the trip as a job well done.
You’re charisma, intellect, and capability in one package. You’re exactly the kind of priest the church needs to expand its power. So what if you purposely break every single sacred vow you have made in front of God? Vittorio doesn’t mind employing such a priest because the church can never not benefit from Ralph.
5. Nana Fee is the Boss
No one in The Thorn Birds has to bury the people they love as often as Fee, and no one suffers in silence with as much dignity as Fee. She might be a high-born lady but when needed, she can roll up her sleeves and grab a bucket of water to put out a fire like everyone else.
Does Fee make mistakes? Absolutely. Most of Meggie’s mistakes are a direct result of Fee’s neglect and stubbornness.
Ralph loves Meggie – Fee knows.
Meggie needs to see other men so she can forget about Ralph – Fee knows.
Luke is ambitious and aggressive – Fee knows.
Luke and Meggie’s marriage will 100% end in a divorce; that is, if they’re lucky – Fee knows that too.
If this woman had just spoken up once in a while, most of the tragedies in The Thorn Birds would not have happened, I’m telling you.
But all the same, one can’t help but admire Fee’s super mental strength. The woman who looks and speaks like she can collapse anytime is actually the most clear-headed and reliable throughout.
Making Meggie and Justine have a peaceful conversation with each other seems almost an impossible feat. Guess who does it in the end? Fee.
(And also) Uncle Jack and Uncle Bob
Okay, this one doesn’t have anything whatsoever to do with the writing or the plot. But let us give a shout-out to Bob and Jack for all the rides and flights they give our characters throughout the story. And these characters take a lot of trips.
Need a ride to the airport? Uncle Bob.
Need your luggage carried to your car? Uncle Jack.
They’re under-appreciated, seriously.