Icons Essay
INTRODUCTION-
It is possible to develop a good understanding of Australian culture by exploring Australian icons in Australian literature, film and painting. This understanding can be explored through the three texts: ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, the satirical film produced by P.J.Hogan in 1994, Sidney Nolan’s 1947 Ned Kelly series of paintings which was inspired by the mythology and historical story of Ned Kelly, and ‘Kath and Kim’ the comedic television series, produced in 2003, which represents contemporary Australian suburban life. Three major themes which permeate the Australian cultural environment can be explored through these three texts. The first theme being the concept of equality and the ‘Aussie Battler’ which can be seen from a historical perspective in the Ned Kelly series and then from a contemporary suburban perspective in ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. The second theme being that of the environment and how it has changed over time, this can be seen through the contrast of Ned Kelly’s harsh rural environment and the emotional and psychological environment of ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. Lifestyles and aspirations make for the third and final theme where the physical advantages of a modern lifestyle are contrasted with the historical disadvantages of the earlier Australian settlement. These three texts highlight and shape our understanding of Australian culture through their use of characterisation, techniques and settings.
BODY 1 (aussie battler)
The first theme being the concept of equality and the ‘Aussie Battler’ which can be seen from a historical perspective in the Ned Kelly series and then from a contemporary suburban perspective in ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’.
Different aspects of the idea of equality and the ‘Aussie battler’ are shown in the three different texts. These ideas are explored in the Ned Kelly series, depicted by Sidney Nolan through the physical environment that Ned Kelly survived in. Through the
It is possible to develop a good understanding of Australian culture by exploring Australian icons in Australian literature, film and painting. This understanding can be explored through the three texts: ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, the satirical film produced by P.J.Hogan in 1994, Sidney Nolan’s 1947 Ned Kelly series of paintings which was inspired by the mythology and historical story of Ned Kelly, and ‘Kath and Kim’ the comedic television series, produced in 2003, which represents contemporary Australian suburban life. Three major themes which permeate the Australian cultural environment can be explored through these three texts. The first theme being the concept of equality and the ‘Aussie Battler’ which can be seen from a historical perspective in the Ned Kelly series and then from a contemporary suburban perspective in ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. The second theme being that of the environment and how it has changed over time, this can be seen through the contrast of Ned Kelly’s harsh rural environment and the emotional and psychological environment of ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. Lifestyles and aspirations make for the third and final theme where the physical advantages of a modern lifestyle are contrasted with the historical disadvantages of the earlier Australian settlement. These three texts highlight and shape our understanding of Australian culture through their use of characterisation, techniques and settings.
BODY 1 (aussie battler)
The first theme being the concept of equality and the ‘Aussie Battler’ which can be seen from a historical perspective in the Ned Kelly series and then from a contemporary suburban perspective in ‘Kath and Kim’ and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’.
Different aspects of the idea of equality and the ‘Aussie battler’ are shown in the three different texts. These ideas are explored in the Ned Kelly series, depicted by Sidney Nolan through the physical environment that Ned Kelly survived in. Through the