Significance The Clouds of Insects

As they travel through the Outback, the author and the Real People encounter clouds of insects, which settle on them and tortuously remain for several minutes, crawling in and out of noses and ears and mouths. At first, the author finds it almost impossible to stay still when the insects arrive, but after being told they are in fact cleansing her, she develops the ability to accept, and eventually welcome, their presence. The insects can be seen as representing the powerful, inevitable, irresistible power of nature.