Unit 2 Area of Study 1 Reading and Comparing Texts1

Larry Watson Montana 1948 and Bruce Beresford (director) Breaker Morant

Reading and comparing texts

In this area of study you will explore how comparing texts can provide a deeper understanding of
ideas, issues and themes. You will investigate how the readers understanding of one text is broadened
and deepened when considered in relation to another text. You will explore how features of texts,
including structures, conventions and language convey ideas, issues and themes that reflect and
explore the world and human experiences, including historical and social contexts. You will practise
your listening and speaking skills through discussion, developing your ideas and thinking in relation
to the texts studied.

You will produce a written comparison of selected texts, discussing important similarities and
differences, and exploring how the texts deal with similar or related ideas, issues or themes from
different perspectives.

You will use the features of written analysis and textual evidence soundly and appropriately,
dealing in detail with the ideas encountered in the texts.

You will draft, revise, edit and refine for technical accuracy, and for clear, coherent and effective
presentation of the insights gained through comparison.

OUTCOME 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare the presentation of ideas, issues and
themes in two texts: the novel by Larry Watson Montana 1948 and the film by Bruce Beresfrod
(Director) Breaker Morant.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined over the
page.

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http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/english/EnglishEAL-SD-2016.pdf
Key knowledge

an understanding of the ideas, issues and themes presented in texts

the ways authors convey ideas, issues and themes in texts

the features of written, spoken and multimodal texts used by authors to convey ideas, issues
and themes, such as settings, events and characters

the ways in which different texts provide different perspectives on ideas, issues and themes
and how comparing them can offer an enriched understanding of the ideas, issues and themes

the conventions of discussion such as active listening, checking for understanding and
questioning

the features of comparative analysis: structure, conventions and language, including

relevant metalanguage

the conventions of spelling, punctuation and syntax of Standard Australian English

Key skills

explain and analyse

- similarities and differences between texts in the presentation of similar or related ideas,
issues and themes

- the choices made by authors to convey particular perspectives

apply the conventions of discussion

use textual evidence appropriately to support comparative responses

plan comparative responses, taking account of the purpose, context and audience in
determining the selected content and approach

develop and clarify ideas and insights gained through comparison using discussion and
writing

draft, review, edit and refine comparative responses, making choices about features of
texts and using feedback gained from individual reflection and peer and teacher comments

apply the conventions of spelling, punctuation and syntax of Standard Australian

English accurately and appropriately
To achieve a SATISFACTORY: Learning Tasks

In order to satisfy this unit, you will be required to complete the following tasks by the dates given to
you by your teacher:

Task to show knowledge of plot, characters and themes in both texts. (Specifics to be decided
by the individual teacher. e.g. a test)
Task to show close knowledge and understanding of Larry Watsons Montana 1948
Task to show close knowledge and understanding of Bruce Beresfords Breaker Morant
Comparison: Task to show that you can identify shared ideas, issues and themes in both texts.
Contrast: Task to show that you can identify different perspectives in both texts.

Assessment Task

You will complete a comparative analytical response on the two texts: Larry Watson Montana 1948
and Bruce Beresford (Director) Breaker Morant.

Conditions

2 periods
Suggested Length 700 words+
Students can bring:
- a dictionary
- 2 x A4 singles sided hand written page of notes maximum one page on each text
- 1 page of handwritten quotes and vocabulary

SO WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?2

A comparative essay demonstrates your close knowledge and understanding of two texts. It enables
you to consider each text in detail, and to compare and contrast the two, using each text as a means
to see what is unique and insightful about the other.

You will be building ideas and gathering evidence through your close study of these two texts. You
will be looking for similarities or parallels, as well as differences in their perspectives on shared ideas,
issues and themes. The ideas themselves may differ slightly between the texts, especially as they were
written in very different times and places. Just as crucially, the creators of these texts will have
presented similar ideas and themes in ways that contrast significantly due to their different forms and
their use of features such as narrative viewpoint, setting, plot, language and imagery.

IDENTIFYING SHARED IDEAS, ISSUES AND THEMES

When comparing the two texts, your focus will be on the ideas, issues or themes they share. Some
of the major themes in the two texts are:
Choice Power/ Impotence Justice/Injustice
Loyalty/Disloyalty Prejudice The Legal System
Innocence/Corruption Morality/Immorality Right and Wrong

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Insight (2015) English Year 11
INITIAL TASK: From the summaries of the two texts, see if you can identify some of the
similarities and differences.

Bruce Beresford (director) film: Breaker Morant

Late 1901, South Africa. Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock and George Witton
are senior officers of the Bushveldt Carbineers, part of the Australian Army under the command of
the British Army in the Boer War. The Carbineers' reason for being is largely to battle the loose
collection of Boer guerrillas who are not part of the Boer army, but who are fighting against the
British military regardless.
The three are facing a collective court martial, for Morant allegedly ordering, as the officer in charge,
the execution of six Boer prisoners, Witton allegedly killing one of those six before they were to be
executed, and Handcock's alleged associated killing of a German missionary, Reverend Daniel Heese.
Morant and Witton admit to their killings, but Morant, an ex-pat Brit with a poetic streak, claims that
it was on an order issued indirectly by Lord Kitchener through his friend and former commanding
officer, now deceased Captain Simon Hunt, and Witton, the young somewhat naive officer, claims
he killed in self-defence as the prisoner charged him. And the charge against Handcock, the brash
cocky one, is all circumstantial as there are no eyewitnesses.
In reality, all charges were issued by Kitchener, using the three as scapegoats in a measure of political
expediency to end the war, not caring that convictions could and probably will lead to sentences of
execution.
The British military stacking the decks against the three is further demonstrated by prosecutor Captain
Alfred Taylor having six weeks to prepare, while defence attorney Major J.F. Thomas only having
one day, in addition to Thomas having no trial experience, let alone no court martial experience.
Regardless, a defiant Taylor vows to find out the truth and to defend his clients to the best of his
abilities, which is better than most expect.

Larry Watson Novel: Montana 1948

The novel is set in 1948 in a small town in north eastern Montana, USA, a countryside that represents
the tales and action of Wild West movies. However, the Indians no longer wear war paint and ride
the plains brandishing spears and tomahawk. Instead, they are collected together on small
reservations, dispossessed of their land and their heritage, defeated by the superior power of the white
settlers. It is against a background of racial prejudice that the incidents of the drama are played out.
When twelve-year-old David Haydens uncle (a doctor) is accused of the sexual abuse of Indian
women, the family must choose between loyalty and justice. This is even further complicated because
the sheriff is Davids brother.

Davids craving to be included in adult matters costs him his childhood innocence. When Marie Little
Soldier, the Indian housekeeper, dies, and his uncle is suspected of being a murdered, his family is
torn apart by favouritism, ego and love. The life of twelve year old David is changed forever; he is
irreparably damaged by the revelations of that summer.

The author explores the themes of innocence and experience, not just through the child, but also
through his father who faces deep conflicts over family loyalties and his responsibilities to uphold
the law. This shows him that moral choices are not clear cut, that there are not always clear
alternatives as the line between right and wrong can be blurred.