A Green Flaw in the Crystal Glass: Patrick White’s Riders in the Chariot

As he himself averred more than once and as the critical reception recognises, Australian writer Patrick White identifies with a literary tradition that is metaphysical, romantic, and theosophical in its avenues of inquiry and its impulses. A 1969 essay by White titled “In the Making,” opens with this statement: “Religion. Yes, that’s behind all my books. What I am interested in is the relationship between the blundering human being and God.” A 1970 correspondence by White houses this comment: “I believe most people have a religious factor, but are afraid that by admitting it they will forfeit their right to be considered intellectuals.”