Discovering Family
Websites
New Moon Magazine http://www.newmoon.com/ This is the website community of an amazing magazine edited (and mostly written) by girls aged 8-14. It very girl-power and includes places to complain about sexism or celebrate girls’ achievements as well as support diversity of all descriptions. The price for membership is because there is no advertising but you don’t have to be a member to enter the site. Have a look at the “future issues” section to see if you’ve written anything that suits their themes. Discuss the colours, fonts and layout in relation to the intended audience. Choose 5-6 important elements of content which relate closely to discovery, especially the users discovery of what it means to be a “girl”.
AAMI Insurance Australia. Belonging. http://www.belonging.org/ This website is an online exhibition of photos, video and oral histories about the process of migration. Pick two or three elements to dicuss in detail, but don’t forget to discuss the layout and presentation of the site as a whole – eg the division into “people” and “place” or the “timeline” of links that show the process of migration from “arrival” through “dressing to belong” to “work”. This is a brilliant text to use if you are studying Motorcycle diaries or go back to where you came from, but links well to any text which describes the discovery of new places.
Isay, Dave (2015). "Everyone around you has a story the world needs to hear". This collection of vignettes (=short snippets) of people's life stories is presented by the creator of Story Corps. You can listen to him at Ted Talks [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHk_UiQboA] or visit the Story Corps website [https://storycorps.org/] which collects conversations between ordinary people telling a meaningful stories from their lives. Both the speech and the website would give you an opportunity to discover how personal narratives enable people to record and discover each other's experiences as unique and memorable. It would work well with biographical texts such as Swallow the Air. Standard students might choose to focus on a particular person's story while Advanced students could focus on the function of Story Corps as a repository of human experience.
Songs
Darkest of the Hillside Thickets (). “Big Robot Dinosaur”. [Listen online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoJB2mcnKwQ] A father and son bond over their revenge on bullies. Analyse the way the childlike voice and clichéd metaphors characterise the protagonist and create the understated ending, as the way the robot is personified. In addition think about how the music contributes to the message through the style of music, the voice quality of the singer, the fade-out, and the voiceover at the beginning/end. Recommended for standard students.
Stevens, Cat. (). “Father and Son”. [Write about the song itself or the video clip. Watch itonline at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg]The alternating perspectives of depict the tension between the voice of age nad the independence of youth. Compare the simple heartfelt language and rhyme schemes with the language of A Simple Gift and link them to the simplicity of the music (rhythm, melody, instrumentation). If you’re discussing the video clip, talk about the isolation of Cat Stevens sitting on the floor in the corner of a large white room, the characters of the old man and young girl and the symbolism of the chess board. Recommended for standard and ESL students.
Muttonbirds. (). “Anchor me”. [Watch the Muttonbirds version online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPIhhqM4b4s or the Greenpeace version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ99ouGxgkg]This song argues that a relationship can “anchor” the persona against the pain and horror of his life. Discuss the extended metaphor of the sea, the biblical and Shakespearean (The Tempest) allusions and the symbolism of the images in the video clip. This original video emphasises shifting blue light and floating images, but also literal images such as the boat, the shark, the car in the rain and people floating “up” and “down” while the Greenpeace video uses clichéd symbols such as a dove and rainbow juxtaposed with symbols of industrial pollution to give the song a far less personal context. If your argument discusses macro and micro processes of discovery, you could discuss the way the videos reinterpret the context of the song. Recommended for advanced students.
Stevens, Cat. (). “Father and Son”. [Write about the song itself or the video clip. Watch itonline at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg]The alternating perspectives of depict the tension between the voice of age nad the independence of youth. Compare the simple heartfelt language and rhyme schemes with the language of A Simple Gift and link them to the simplicity of the music (rhythm, melody, instrumentation). If you’re discussing the video clip, talk about the isolation of Cat Stevens sitting on the floor in the corner of a large white room, the characters of the old man and young girl and the symbolism of the chess board. Recommended for standard and ESL students.
Muttonbirds. (). “Anchor me”. [Watch the Muttonbirds version online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPIhhqM4b4s or the Greenpeace version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ99ouGxgkg]This song argues that a relationship can “anchor” the persona against the pain and horror of his life. Discuss the extended metaphor of the sea, the biblical and Shakespearean (The Tempest) allusions and the symbolism of the images in the video clip. This original video emphasises shifting blue light and floating images, but also literal images such as the boat, the shark, the car in the rain and people floating “up” and “down” while the Greenpeace video uses clichéd symbols such as a dove and rainbow juxtaposed with symbols of industrial pollution to give the song a far less personal context. If your argument discusses macro and micro processes of discovery, you could discuss the way the videos reinterpret the context of the song. Recommended for advanced students.
short stories
Al-Shaykh, Hanan. (1994). “A girl called Apple” in I sweep the Sun off rooftops. Apple lies in a village where girls’ only option is to get married. Discuss the symbolism of apple’s name and of the flags and relate this to her attempts at self discovery as she negotiates a place in her family and community.
Baynton, Barbara. (). “A Dreamer” in Bush Studies. Set in colonial Australia, this story depicts the Australian landscape as an destructive force that divides the protagonist from those she loves. Analyse the way the landscape and weather symbolise the protagonist’s psychological state, and discuss the force of love which gives her courage to discover a way to overcome all obstacles as well as the irony of the ending
Kafka, Franz. Metamorphosis. (Online at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm or http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/stories/kafka-e.htm) This German classic describes a day in the life of a man who wakes up in his family home having been turned into a giant insect. This story describes his discovery of his new body as well as the slow destruction of his relationship with his parents and sister who depended on his income as a travelling salesman. Rich in description and symbolism, this is an excellent text for advanced and extension students. A good analysis can be found at http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/metamorph/context.html or http://www.shmoop.com/metamorphosis/ .
Johanabas bin Rosli, Fadslishah, (2010). “Act of Faith” in Cosmos VOL??? (Belonging folder at 820.9) When Ahmad is too old to take care of himself, his son (who works on the moon) buys an android (robot) to help him out. Over time, the robot becomes like a son to Ahmad and even helps out in the mosque by giving the call to prayer. Then the problem arises: if the robot has begun to believe in god, can he become a Muslim? Discuss the usual features of science fiction such as jargon and new types of technology, but focus on the way that the robot discovers his place in the human world – by calling Ahmad “Abah” (father), by learning Arabic, by developing his emotion software, by helping out in Ahmad’s community, by trying to adopt Ahmad’s religion. Don’t forget the metaphors used to depict the symbolism of the storm.
Baynton, Barbara. (). “A Dreamer” in Bush Studies. Set in colonial Australia, this story depicts the Australian landscape as an destructive force that divides the protagonist from those she loves. Analyse the way the landscape and weather symbolise the protagonist’s psychological state, and discuss the force of love which gives her courage to discover a way to overcome all obstacles as well as the irony of the ending
Kafka, Franz. Metamorphosis. (Online at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm or http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/stories/kafka-e.htm) This German classic describes a day in the life of a man who wakes up in his family home having been turned into a giant insect. This story describes his discovery of his new body as well as the slow destruction of his relationship with his parents and sister who depended on his income as a travelling salesman. Rich in description and symbolism, this is an excellent text for advanced and extension students. A good analysis can be found at http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/metamorph/context.html or http://www.shmoop.com/metamorphosis/ .
Johanabas bin Rosli, Fadslishah, (2010). “Act of Faith” in Cosmos VOL??? (Belonging folder at 820.9) When Ahmad is too old to take care of himself, his son (who works on the moon) buys an android (robot) to help him out. Over time, the robot becomes like a son to Ahmad and even helps out in the mosque by giving the call to prayer. Then the problem arises: if the robot has begun to believe in god, can he become a Muslim? Discuss the usual features of science fiction such as jargon and new types of technology, but focus on the way that the robot discovers his place in the human world – by calling Ahmad “Abah” (father), by learning Arabic, by developing his emotion software, by helping out in Ahmad’s community, by trying to adopt Ahmad’s religion. Don’t forget the metaphors used to depict the symbolism of the storm.
Plays
Albee, Esward. (). Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolfe. (Read it online at http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/afraidofwoolf/context.html or Ms Carmyn has a copy). Relationships are made and broken at George and Martha’s dinner party where the ‘fun and games’ reveal the character’s true selves, leading to psychological and eventually physical violence. The film version with Elizabeth Taylor is well worth watching, but don’t get side tracked away from examining the dialogue and stage directions (esp. the symbolism of the setting) of the actual play. An American classic, this is an ex HSC text so your markers will know it very well. Recommended for advanced students. A good study guide can be found at http://www.shmoop.com/afraid-of-virginia-woolf/ .
Beynon, Richard. (1960) The Shifting Heart (A822.3 BEY) This play develops the conflict between Anglo-Australian Pratt family and Italian Bianchi family in 1950’s Australia (ie. the era of assimilation). Focus on the symbolism of the setting and the emotive dialogue. Think about which characters the audience identifies with and why.
Blackman, Marjorie. Boys don't Cry. While he waits for his A-level (English HSC equivalent) results, Dante's long-forgotten one-night-stand turns up - with a baby! Needless to say, his carefully planned life falls apart as he discovers what it is to be a father. Focus on the way the story is told from two different viewpoints (Dante and his brother Adam) and the discoveries the boys make about fatherhood, each other and societal attitudes to teen parenting. Recommended for standard students who enjoy an emotional ride!
French, Jackie. Hitler’s Daughter (A822 FRE) this play begins with a group of school children discussing the fate of Heidi, Hitler’s hypotheitical daughter, and takes us into WWII Berlin.It examines the impact of social fears and prejudices on an individual’s experience of belonging. Although this play is aimed at young people, the structure and staging give you lots of techniques to talk about in your essays. Further information about the Monkey Baa production can be found at http://www.monkeybaa.com.au/hitlers-daughter.html .
Gibbs, Paige. Lockie Leonard: Human Torpedo (A822 GIB). Surfer-boy, Lockie, is the alienated new boy in town – until he meets Vicki. The exaggerated characterisation and dialogue are an excellent way to present ideas about belonging to a young audience. Recommended for standard students.
Ireland, Vicky. The Suitcase Kid (822 WIL) Based on Jaqueline Wilson’s best selling novel, this play explores the effect of divorce on a young girl who travels back and forth between her parents houses. Discuss the way the dialogue and staging make this play appropriate for a primary school and early-high school audience. Recommended for ESL and standard students only.
Marsden, John. So much to tell you. In this play a young girl who chooses not to speak after a traumatic experience (revealed later in the play). Focus on the way stage directions and dialogue (esp. by other characters) reveals her rediscovery of her indentity and her relationship with her family and peers. Recommended for ESL and standard students only.
Morris, Mary. Two Weeks with the Queen: The Play. (A822 MOR). One of the funniest plays you will ever read about death and illness. When Luke’s brother is diagnosed with terminal cancer he is sent to England to live with his uncle. Together with his over-protected cousin and the help of Griff, whose partner is dying of Aids, Luke finds ways to save his brother and come to terms with the concept of death. This play is written for children, so you will need to discuss the way humour, stereotypes and hyperbolic characterisation are used to describe the patterns of belonging established between Luke, his family, his uncle’s family and Griff. Recommended for ESL and standard students
Oswald, Debra. Dags (A822 OSW) Sixteen year old Gillian arrives on stage with her head in a paper bag – not an auspicious beginning for a girl in search of ‘Lurve’. The play depicts discovery and acceptance of herself as an individual. Lots of techniques to discuss here, including the role of puppets on stage, the language changes between Gillian’s monologues to the audience and her dialogue with other characters, the use of gender and social stereotypes and the role of stage directions (esp tone of voice) in creating relationships between the characters. Recommended to standard students who can analyse the postmodern aspects of the staging.
Parsons, Nick. Dead Heart (A822.3 PAR) When a man is killed on a remote Aboriginal community, Senior Constable Ray Lorkin struggles to discover the realationship between Aboriginal tradition and Australian law. Focus on the use of Aboriginal and standard English and the symbolism setting and props. You may be able to find the film version at your local video store (It is rated MA15+ due to violence – it opens with a man speared in the leg! - a sex scene).
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing http://shakespeare.mit.edu/much_ado/full.html While Hero and Claudio are courting, they tell prickly personalities Benedick and Beatrice into believing they are in love with each other – with hilarious results. Look at the way certain metaphors are extended through the play to establish their “discoveries” about one another and pay particular attention to Beatrice and Benedick’s witty repartee. A film version is available in the library.
Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest (822 WIL) This late Victorian play is a social satire of the English Upper classes. Filled with exaggerated characters, mistaken identity and witty word play, it follows the fortunes of Jack/Ernest, an orphan found in a hand bag in a London railway station. An ex-HSC text, there are lots of study guides (including http://www.shmoop.com/importance-of-being-earnest/ ) on this play as well as a couple of films (don’t forget your text is the actual play). Your markers are likely to know it very well. Recommended for advanced students.
Beynon, Richard. (1960) The Shifting Heart (A822.3 BEY) This play develops the conflict between Anglo-Australian Pratt family and Italian Bianchi family in 1950’s Australia (ie. the era of assimilation). Focus on the symbolism of the setting and the emotive dialogue. Think about which characters the audience identifies with and why.
Blackman, Marjorie. Boys don't Cry. While he waits for his A-level (English HSC equivalent) results, Dante's long-forgotten one-night-stand turns up - with a baby! Needless to say, his carefully planned life falls apart as he discovers what it is to be a father. Focus on the way the story is told from two different viewpoints (Dante and his brother Adam) and the discoveries the boys make about fatherhood, each other and societal attitudes to teen parenting. Recommended for standard students who enjoy an emotional ride!
French, Jackie. Hitler’s Daughter (A822 FRE) this play begins with a group of school children discussing the fate of Heidi, Hitler’s hypotheitical daughter, and takes us into WWII Berlin.It examines the impact of social fears and prejudices on an individual’s experience of belonging. Although this play is aimed at young people, the structure and staging give you lots of techniques to talk about in your essays. Further information about the Monkey Baa production can be found at http://www.monkeybaa.com.au/hitlers-daughter.html .
Gibbs, Paige. Lockie Leonard: Human Torpedo (A822 GIB). Surfer-boy, Lockie, is the alienated new boy in town – until he meets Vicki. The exaggerated characterisation and dialogue are an excellent way to present ideas about belonging to a young audience. Recommended for standard students.
Ireland, Vicky. The Suitcase Kid (822 WIL) Based on Jaqueline Wilson’s best selling novel, this play explores the effect of divorce on a young girl who travels back and forth between her parents houses. Discuss the way the dialogue and staging make this play appropriate for a primary school and early-high school audience. Recommended for ESL and standard students only.
Marsden, John. So much to tell you. In this play a young girl who chooses not to speak after a traumatic experience (revealed later in the play). Focus on the way stage directions and dialogue (esp. by other characters) reveals her rediscovery of her indentity and her relationship with her family and peers. Recommended for ESL and standard students only.
Morris, Mary. Two Weeks with the Queen: The Play. (A822 MOR). One of the funniest plays you will ever read about death and illness. When Luke’s brother is diagnosed with terminal cancer he is sent to England to live with his uncle. Together with his over-protected cousin and the help of Griff, whose partner is dying of Aids, Luke finds ways to save his brother and come to terms with the concept of death. This play is written for children, so you will need to discuss the way humour, stereotypes and hyperbolic characterisation are used to describe the patterns of belonging established between Luke, his family, his uncle’s family and Griff. Recommended for ESL and standard students
Oswald, Debra. Dags (A822 OSW) Sixteen year old Gillian arrives on stage with her head in a paper bag – not an auspicious beginning for a girl in search of ‘Lurve’. The play depicts discovery and acceptance of herself as an individual. Lots of techniques to discuss here, including the role of puppets on stage, the language changes between Gillian’s monologues to the audience and her dialogue with other characters, the use of gender and social stereotypes and the role of stage directions (esp tone of voice) in creating relationships between the characters. Recommended to standard students who can analyse the postmodern aspects of the staging.
Parsons, Nick. Dead Heart (A822.3 PAR) When a man is killed on a remote Aboriginal community, Senior Constable Ray Lorkin struggles to discover the realationship between Aboriginal tradition and Australian law. Focus on the use of Aboriginal and standard English and the symbolism setting and props. You may be able to find the film version at your local video store (It is rated MA15+ due to violence – it opens with a man speared in the leg! - a sex scene).
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing http://shakespeare.mit.edu/much_ado/full.html While Hero and Claudio are courting, they tell prickly personalities Benedick and Beatrice into believing they are in love with each other – with hilarious results. Look at the way certain metaphors are extended through the play to establish their “discoveries” about one another and pay particular attention to Beatrice and Benedick’s witty repartee. A film version is available in the library.
Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest (822 WIL) This late Victorian play is a social satire of the English Upper classes. Filled with exaggerated characters, mistaken identity and witty word play, it follows the fortunes of Jack/Ernest, an orphan found in a hand bag in a London railway station. An ex-HSC text, there are lots of study guides (including http://www.shmoop.com/importance-of-being-earnest/ ) on this play as well as a couple of films (don’t forget your text is the actual play). Your markers are likely to know it very well. Recommended for advanced students.
Novels
Hill, Anthony. Soldier Boy. This biography begins with Jim Martin’s death at Gallipoli, aged 14. Even though the ending comes first in this story, tension is built through the Jim’s changing relationships with his family and with his soldier mates. Describe the impact of the ‘flash-forward’ at the beginning and the historical documents included in the text, as well as the emotive language that develops the theme of discovery. Recommended for standard students.
Blake, Bronwyn. Julia, My Sister. The way Julia copes with the physical and emotional changes in her life after being involved in a traumatic accident reveals many different paths of discovery (including one important twist). Pay special attention to the structural role of the songs threaded through the narrative and discuss the contrast between city and rural town lifestyles, especially the way the rich sensory descriptions of the outback depict the protagonist’s phychological state. The author’s view can be found at (Spoiler warning – read the book first!) http://www.bronwynblake.com.au/julia.html.
Fienberg, Anna. borrowed light. One of the most original novels about teenage pregnancy, this is the story of A-student, Callisto’s, changing relationships as she waits for her baby to be born. Discuss the way the extended metaphor of astronomy shapes the novel’s structure and symbolises the processes of alienation and belonging, but don’t forget about simple things like the way the dialogue and internal monologue shape your perception of Callisto.
Larbalestier, Justine. Liar. Compulsive liar, Micah is becomes a suspect in her boyfriend’s murder. Pay special attention to the way the reader interacts with the structure of the story and the subtle hints given by the unreliable narrator (read some reviews online – eg at amazon - to get a range of reader responses). This award-winning book is recommneded for advanced students
Maloney, James. Gracey. After winning a scholarship to an Anglo-Australian boarding school, Grace is crushed between Aboriginal and ‘White” communities. However, when Aboriginal bones are found by her brother, Dougy, in Gracey’s hometown, she is forced to re-examine her Aboriginal identity. Think about why Grace felt the need to change her name, discuss the interweaving of Grace and Dougy’s stories, and the way the two setting frame the character’s sense of belonging. A useful summary (spoiler alert!) at http://edmundrice.wordpress.com/students/mrs-thatchers-novel-summaries/gracey/. And list of characters and themes at http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/skins/uqp/_uploads/TeachersNotes/Gracey.pdf
McCarthy, Maureen. Ganglands. Kelly is a scholarship girl from a poor family in a small country town. When she meets Con her life changes forever. Pay attention to the metaphors used to describe Kelly’s discovery of life outside her small town, and the way the landscape echoes her feelings. Recommended for standard students.
Savides, Irene. Willow Tree and Olive. Memories of abuse are triggered by a guest speaker school PDHPE programme, causing Olive to run away from school and eventually re-evaluate her experiences while on holiday with distant family in Greece. Discuss the way the protagonist and her family deal with her slowly unfolding memories, paying particular attention to metaphor and the healing effects of the landscape.
Serrailier, Ian. The Silver Sword. Set in Poland during WWII, this children’s classic traces the adventures of a family torn apart when the father is imprisoned for turning over the photos of Hilter on his class room wall. Examine the role of family and culture in defining a a space for discovery and analyse the descriptions of characters and places. Recommended for ESL and standard students – it goes very well with Go back to where you came from.
Voigt, Cynthia. Homecoming. When her mentally unstable mother abandons Dicey Tillerman and her three younger siblings in a car park, Dicey decides to take her family to their aunt’s house hundreds of miles away. The rich characterisation is used to depict Dicey’s gradual discovery of what it is that makes a family. Comment on the role of music in creating a narrative of discovery for the Tillermans and the people they meet, and the use of water as a symbol of both separation and safety.
Destroying Avalon by Kate McCaffrey. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 2006. ISBN-13: 9781921064579. 177 pp. This is a high-interest young adult novel about cyberbullying. The viciousness of the language is interesting – does cyberspace provide teenagers with a sense of distance that allows them to be more vile than they would be face to face? There is a very strong representation of school cliques – the A Group (or the Bitches), the Weirdos and Queeros – and of contemporary teenage language. This is a good choice for Standard students.
Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Alienated from her stereotypical female peers during her internship at a prestigious women’s magazine in New York, the talented Esther becomes increasingly depressed and is committed to a mental asylum by her family. Discuss how Esthers narrative voice and tone (esp the internal monologue) and explore the various motifs (media, mirrors, photographs, blood) and symbols (bell jar, tree, headlines,) used to depict Esther’s resistance to traditional feminine roles and her eventual recognition of herself as an empowered individual. Some notes about this book can be found at http://www.shmoop.com/bell-jar/ and there is an academic essay at http://www.sylviaplath.de/plath/wagner2.html. that might be useful.
Tan, Amy. The Bonesetter’s Daughter This novel depicts the intense relationship between LuLing Young and her daughter Ruth, re-examining her mother’s past in superstition-ridden rural China and the tensions of Chinese immigrant life in America.. Focus on the way layers of secrets and ambiguity create different sorts of discoveries through the juxtaposition of rural Chinese and contemporary American life, and look for repeated symbols and metaphors. Recommended for advanced students (only because it’s long and you don’t want to get sidetracked telling the plot!)
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (). Impossible Knife of Memory [F AND]
•Fowler, Karen Joy, We are All Completely Beside Ourselves
•Marchetta, Melina, Looking for Alibrandi
Levithan, David, Are we there yet?*
Blake, Bronwyn. Julia, My Sister. The way Julia copes with the physical and emotional changes in her life after being involved in a traumatic accident reveals many different paths of discovery (including one important twist). Pay special attention to the structural role of the songs threaded through the narrative and discuss the contrast between city and rural town lifestyles, especially the way the rich sensory descriptions of the outback depict the protagonist’s phychological state. The author’s view can be found at (Spoiler warning – read the book first!) http://www.bronwynblake.com.au/julia.html.
Fienberg, Anna. borrowed light. One of the most original novels about teenage pregnancy, this is the story of A-student, Callisto’s, changing relationships as she waits for her baby to be born. Discuss the way the extended metaphor of astronomy shapes the novel’s structure and symbolises the processes of alienation and belonging, but don’t forget about simple things like the way the dialogue and internal monologue shape your perception of Callisto.
Larbalestier, Justine. Liar. Compulsive liar, Micah is becomes a suspect in her boyfriend’s murder. Pay special attention to the way the reader interacts with the structure of the story and the subtle hints given by the unreliable narrator (read some reviews online – eg at amazon - to get a range of reader responses). This award-winning book is recommneded for advanced students
Maloney, James. Gracey. After winning a scholarship to an Anglo-Australian boarding school, Grace is crushed between Aboriginal and ‘White” communities. However, when Aboriginal bones are found by her brother, Dougy, in Gracey’s hometown, she is forced to re-examine her Aboriginal identity. Think about why Grace felt the need to change her name, discuss the interweaving of Grace and Dougy’s stories, and the way the two setting frame the character’s sense of belonging. A useful summary (spoiler alert!) at http://edmundrice.wordpress.com/students/mrs-thatchers-novel-summaries/gracey/. And list of characters and themes at http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/skins/uqp/_uploads/TeachersNotes/Gracey.pdf
McCarthy, Maureen. Ganglands. Kelly is a scholarship girl from a poor family in a small country town. When she meets Con her life changes forever. Pay attention to the metaphors used to describe Kelly’s discovery of life outside her small town, and the way the landscape echoes her feelings. Recommended for standard students.
Savides, Irene. Willow Tree and Olive. Memories of abuse are triggered by a guest speaker school PDHPE programme, causing Olive to run away from school and eventually re-evaluate her experiences while on holiday with distant family in Greece. Discuss the way the protagonist and her family deal with her slowly unfolding memories, paying particular attention to metaphor and the healing effects of the landscape.
Serrailier, Ian. The Silver Sword. Set in Poland during WWII, this children’s classic traces the adventures of a family torn apart when the father is imprisoned for turning over the photos of Hilter on his class room wall. Examine the role of family and culture in defining a a space for discovery and analyse the descriptions of characters and places. Recommended for ESL and standard students – it goes very well with Go back to where you came from.
Voigt, Cynthia. Homecoming. When her mentally unstable mother abandons Dicey Tillerman and her three younger siblings in a car park, Dicey decides to take her family to their aunt’s house hundreds of miles away. The rich characterisation is used to depict Dicey’s gradual discovery of what it is that makes a family. Comment on the role of music in creating a narrative of discovery for the Tillermans and the people they meet, and the use of water as a symbol of both separation and safety.
Destroying Avalon by Kate McCaffrey. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 2006. ISBN-13: 9781921064579. 177 pp. This is a high-interest young adult novel about cyberbullying. The viciousness of the language is interesting – does cyberspace provide teenagers with a sense of distance that allows them to be more vile than they would be face to face? There is a very strong representation of school cliques – the A Group (or the Bitches), the Weirdos and Queeros – and of contemporary teenage language. This is a good choice for Standard students.
Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Alienated from her stereotypical female peers during her internship at a prestigious women’s magazine in New York, the talented Esther becomes increasingly depressed and is committed to a mental asylum by her family. Discuss how Esthers narrative voice and tone (esp the internal monologue) and explore the various motifs (media, mirrors, photographs, blood) and symbols (bell jar, tree, headlines,) used to depict Esther’s resistance to traditional feminine roles and her eventual recognition of herself as an empowered individual. Some notes about this book can be found at http://www.shmoop.com/bell-jar/ and there is an academic essay at http://www.sylviaplath.de/plath/wagner2.html. that might be useful.
Tan, Amy. The Bonesetter’s Daughter This novel depicts the intense relationship between LuLing Young and her daughter Ruth, re-examining her mother’s past in superstition-ridden rural China and the tensions of Chinese immigrant life in America.. Focus on the way layers of secrets and ambiguity create different sorts of discoveries through the juxtaposition of rural Chinese and contemporary American life, and look for repeated symbols and metaphors. Recommended for advanced students (only because it’s long and you don’t want to get sidetracked telling the plot!)
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (). Impossible Knife of Memory [F AND]
•Fowler, Karen Joy, We are All Completely Beside Ourselves
•Marchetta, Melina, Looking for Alibrandi
Levithan, David, Are we there yet?*
journal articles
Bremer, Krista, (2011). “My daughter’s Choice” in Marie Claire, April 2011. (Belonging folder at 820.9) When Krista’s half-Lybian daughter, Aliya, chooses to wear hijab her mother does not “recognise” her. Look particularly at the constant contrast between the clothes Krista wore and the clothes her daughter has chosen and the metaphors which depict her alienation from her daughter. Why has aliya chosen to wear hijab? What do the different types of clothes symbolise to the mother? The daughter? What changes to make Krista discover that her daughter is expressing herself with the same freedom that she had at this age?
films
Bhansali, Sanjay Leela. (2005) Black (Hindi
film) Tells the story of deaf/blind girl, Michelle and her teacher, Mr
Sahai. As she develops into a well-educated university student, her
elderly teacher begins suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, resulting in a
touching role reversal. Based on the real-life story of Helen Keller,
this film has scoop3d up just about every Indianm film award. Look at
the backstory of Michelle's relationship with her family and their power
struggles with Mr Sahai as well as Michelle's coming of age. Pay
special attention to the use of light and darkness as a symbol of both
character's development. There is an excellent study guide to this film
in Screen Education 70 (Winter 2013).
Caro, Niki. Whale Rider. A young Maori girl invokes the spirit of her ancestors, despite the sexism of her community to discover her true destiny as a cultural leader. Think about how she uses her cultural traditions to challenge her community and compare the ways different techniques like the soundtrack, the voice-over wide panoramic shots of the seascape and intimate point of view shots position the hero in her community. Listen to the extras to find out more about what the director intended. The review at http://filmforthesoul.blogspot.com/2009/06/year-2002-whale-rider-niki-caro.html is quite negative but shows you how to discuss techniques.
Nair, Mira. Vanity Fair. In this elegant satire of C19th society, Becky Sharp claws her way up the social ladder among lavish sets and costumes, but don’t let this distract you from some very important comments about the nature of female society. The extras will give you a good understanding of the historical context and the director’s intentions. Focus on the way the camera and dialogue compel you to empathise with Becky even when she’s being less than endearing. A good review can be found at http://www.aboutfilm.com/movies/v/vanityfair.htm.
Barmak, Siddikq. Osama. Under the Taliban a young girl disguises herself as a boy to support her family and is drafted into the army where her life depends on her ability to discover an alterative identity in a man’s world. Focus on the use of colour and setting to symbolise the harsh reality of life in pre-invasion Afghanistan, where non-compliant women were persecuted to the point of death. Useful reviews can be found at http://www.offoffoff.com/film/2004/osama.php or http://qafilm.qataracademy.wikispaces.net/message/view/home/7184581 .Satellite Boy
Romeo and Juliet•
Redfern Now
Gods of Wheat Street
Rabbitproof Fence
Once my mother
Caro, Niki. Whale Rider. A young Maori girl invokes the spirit of her ancestors, despite the sexism of her community to discover her true destiny as a cultural leader. Think about how she uses her cultural traditions to challenge her community and compare the ways different techniques like the soundtrack, the voice-over wide panoramic shots of the seascape and intimate point of view shots position the hero in her community. Listen to the extras to find out more about what the director intended. The review at http://filmforthesoul.blogspot.com/2009/06/year-2002-whale-rider-niki-caro.html is quite negative but shows you how to discuss techniques.
Nair, Mira. Vanity Fair. In this elegant satire of C19th society, Becky Sharp claws her way up the social ladder among lavish sets and costumes, but don’t let this distract you from some very important comments about the nature of female society. The extras will give you a good understanding of the historical context and the director’s intentions. Focus on the way the camera and dialogue compel you to empathise with Becky even when she’s being less than endearing. A good review can be found at http://www.aboutfilm.com/movies/v/vanityfair.htm.
Barmak, Siddikq. Osama. Under the Taliban a young girl disguises herself as a boy to support her family and is drafted into the army where her life depends on her ability to discover an alterative identity in a man’s world. Focus on the use of colour and setting to symbolise the harsh reality of life in pre-invasion Afghanistan, where non-compliant women were persecuted to the point of death. Useful reviews can be found at http://www.offoffoff.com/film/2004/osama.php or http://qafilm.qataracademy.wikispaces.net/message/view/home/7184581 .Satellite Boy
Romeo and Juliet•
Redfern Now
Gods of Wheat Street
Rabbitproof Fence
Once my mother
Poem
Denise Frohman (2013) "Accents" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtOXiNx4jgQ] uses vivid metaphors, humour and the occasional Spanish words to present her mother's defiant bilingualism. "My mother holds her accent like a shotgun... Spanish and English pushing up against each other in rapid fire... Even when her lips can barely stretch themselves around English, her accent is a stubborn compass pointing her toward home."
Gregor, Debora. (1994). "Miranda's Drowned Book" online at Anna McHugh's blog [http://discoveryhsc.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/fascinating-related-text-dramatic.html] Rich in symbolism, this poem gives Miranda's perspective on her relationship with her father and the island landscape on which she was raised. Recommended for advanced students, especially if they are studying The Tempest (if you're not, read or watch the play so that you understand the context of Miranda's speech).
Non fiction
Bird, Carmel The Stolen Children: Their Stories
Chang, Jung Wild Swans
Coming of Age: Growing up Muslim in Australia
Pham, Andrew X, Catfish and Mandela: A Vietnamese Odyssey
Pilkington, doris. (). Follow the Rabbitproof Fence. [].
Chang, Jung Wild Swans
Coming of Age: Growing up Muslim in Australia
Pham, Andrew X, Catfish and Mandela: A Vietnamese Odyssey
Pilkington, doris. (). Follow the Rabbitproof Fence. [].