quotes and examples on requiem for a beast Flashcards
the idea that the stolen generation caused a loss of identity for aboriginal people
quote: pg 42 “i’m supposed to be a fully initiated women by now but that knowledge, that memory is gone”
additionally, on page 21 the composition of the blurry photo of the aboriginal girl shows that her identity is lost
quote on masculinity
possible idea - that men feel as though they should suppress their emotions in order to maintain their masculinity.
quote: pg 64 (the boy)- “surely you were afraid sometimes” here the boy is imagining his father and the way in which he projects his masculinity in an image where he is heroically mounted on a horse.
juxtaposition
on page 21 there is an image of a young aboriginal girl, representing the stolen generation, that has been blurred (composition). this is suggestive of the stolen generations loss of identity. the image is juxtaposed with instruments of torture.
cultural difference
- hierarchy of Australian society (whites believe they’re superior to aboriginal Australians)
- the violence aboriginal people have been subjected to
- racism towards aboriginal people
symbolism of tree
from our knowledge of aboriginal people having a deep connection with their land, we are able to depict that the wounded tree, on page 80, symbolises aboriginal people and the damage and hurt they still feel after being stolen from their families and put through attempts of assimilation into ‘white Australian society’. they’re still wounded as they have not received an apology.
quote on reconciliation
“we all have to stand in the rain, however long it lasts.”
- rain represents growth and reconciliation. it is a sign of cleansing.
ned kelly symbolism
in the school house scene, on pg 13, we can see a figure riding on horse back, to the school house and is coming to take the child. the figure is wearing criminal, Ned Kelly’s armour which symbolises the criminal acts and violence of the Australian government during the time of the stolen generation.
symbolism of the bull
symbolises what white Australian culture have perceived aboriginal people to be. at the heart of the bull is a small innocent aboriginal girl who represents the true innocence of aboriginal people.
quote on toxic masculinity and violence
pg 18- “if anyone sees it…leave it. I’ll shoot the bastard.”
- in contrast to a glorified image of a stockman
- feel they must show/reflect violence to uphold their masculinity
quote on casual racism
the dad- “they are old, and people love them because they’re old. they tell us stories about ourselves and we value them.”
- reflects his attitudes towards racism and that he doesn’t respect the aboriginal culture in worry that he won’t be a figure of masculinity.
