"It is at times of crisis that we are able to discover who are our enemies and who are our friends.
In the novel The Divine Wind by Garry Disher we are able to discover who our friends are and who our enemies are. A time of crisis is defined as a crucial or decisive point within a situation. Disher represents this notion through a range of central characters. Mitsy and Alice have a strong friendship; at times of crisis they have proven themselves as true friends by standing up for one another. Hart is resentful when it comes time to stand up for, or help his friends. This has been shown on more than one occasion. However, the main focus of Harts reaction in times of crisis focussed on in this essay is the confrontation of Mitsy and Ida. Throughout the novel Hart found it difficult to commit to a viewpoint and in the process subverted friendships through opposing ideals. Friends are crucial at times of crisis, and often where we are able to determine whether they are true friends or not.
One example of true friendship is that shown between Mitsy and Alice. The novel The Divine Wind is set in Perth and at this time the Japanese were discriminated against due to their involvement in World War II. Nevertheless Alice continued her friendship with Mitsy, going against all social expectations of a young white Australian girl. The depth of this friendship shown between Alice and Mitsy can be seen in the scene in which Ida Penrose, Alice's mother, dismissed Mitsy. (Quote) Ida Penrose is a racist woman who feels superior to people of other races and social classes; this is shown by the way she treats Misty in this situation. Alice defends Mitsy, answering back to her mother, (Quote). .
Mitsy and Alice have been friends for a long time and that friendship means something to them. They are willing to stand up for and stand by each other, which as proven in this scene by Alice's response to her mother after what she said to Mitsy.