A group of transported convicts, suffering brutal treatment at the Sarah Island penal settlement on Van Diemens Land, escape into the Tasmanian wilderness in hopes of reaching the settlements to the east.[3] Their enthusiasm and bravado soon give way to hunger, which saps their strength and causes them to despair.[4] Former urban dwellers, the English, Irish and Scottish convicts realise that not only are they lost,[5] but they do not even know how to hunt or fish. The oppressive nature of landscape becomes the setting for murder, as hunger forces the group to turn to cannibalism, killing and eating the members of the group one by one. The men do all in their power to keep moving, watch their back and avoid sleep, lest they be the next meal.[6]Convicts[edit][7]Alexander Pearce â Aged 32, Irish, thiefRobert Greenhill â 32, English, sailorMatthew Travers â 27, Irish, farmerAlexander Dalton â 25, Irish, ex-soldierJohn Mather â 24, Scottish, bread bakerThomas Bodenham â 22, English, thiefWilliam Kennerly â 44, Irish, thiefEdward 'Little' Brown â 48, English, profession unknown
Question: Where is the Sarah Island penal settlement located?, Answer: Van Diemens Land Question: Why does hunger force the group to turn to?, Answer: Cannibalism Question: Where do the escaped convicts hope to reach?, Answer: Settlements to the east