Discovering your own personality, finding your self, is simply a breakthrough that is found through the journey of life. Jane Harrison produced the contemporary enjoy Rainbows End. Set during the 1950’s within the river ‘flats’ between the villages of Shepparton and Mooroopna, Victoria, Harrison shows how discovery have been altered by past experiences of the 3 Aboriginal girls, Nan Special, Gladys and Dolly. The family shows a sense of ‘loyalty, love and support intended for both, the other person and the larger Aboriginal community.
‘ A sense of self-discovery is important within their culture as they are isolated and left out of the white society. Harrison uses a variety of techniques to explore the concept of discovery within the lives of the Dear family.
– Nan represents ‘the old ways’. She is the voice for traditional Aboriginal customs and beliefs. – The door is a dual metaphor, as it represents what restricts us as well as a doorway for new prospects. It also implores readers to take a chance and change as a result of exposing themselves to the outside world.
The italicised word ‘maybe’ however, cautions individuals that change may be challenging. It also suggests that what lies beyond the door will be different to everyone. – Cultural Narrative = ‘They forced us to leave, forced us to leave cummeragunja. our home’
– Gladys represents passive Aboriginal discontent. She wants to be part of white society and will not act against it to bring change for her people – The door symbolises new opportunities and emphasises that individuals need to take action to expand their horizons. The repetition of the imperative command, ‘Go and open the door’. This makes the reader consider what the opened door would reveal to us – Metaphor = “That valve, where’s my white gloves” >It reinforces the status of difference involving the aboriginals plus the white community. Gladys seems as if she’s not acknowledged in the community, therefore she’s finding it hard to find her personal identity, this is an essential component to discovery.
– Dolly can be spiritually connected to place and family, she is unwilling to give these up for Errol. – The repeated command (or imperative) creates an fervent tone that implores someone to take an opportunity, to choose to leave their very own “comfort zones”, their present state also to take on the world outside and maybe change consequently. – Theme = ‘Que Sera Sera’: Translation: ‘whatever will be will probably be. ‘
Nan Dear – accepts her difference via white culture. She selects not to fit in. Gladys – initially presents Aboriginal acknowledgement of compression. She tries to participate in white contemporary society. All her dreams intended for acceptance have become tied within Dolly. Dolly – takes pride her Aboriginality but is increasingly aware about the differences that separate her from white-colored society.
TOPICS
Protection of culture, spirituality and friends and family
– Nan Special refusing to call the queen “My Queen”
– Pertains to protection of culture.
Thieved Generation
Nan Special: ” They will forced us to keep. Forced all of us to keep Cummeragunja. Each of our home”
Segregation – Gladys
“A Black compitent? I’d like to see that! ” Pg. 130
This is when Gladys has been giving an answer to all the issue right on a TV show ‘pick a box’, Dolly says that your woman should go upon it but Nan Dear reminds them of their colour.
1
