Black diggers symbols

Poem of “sons of the southern cross”: Poem of “sons of the southern cross” represent the unity and
pride of Australia. The southern cross was a symbol for the fight for Australian independence from
the British Empire and has more recently been used by Australian white nationalists. It also shows
the concept of that nation being built on the backs of Indigenous people and reconceived as to
exclude them from Australian society.

Metal casing of bullet shards: The metal casing in Ern’s body represents the traumatic reminisces of
the war and the effect it has had on Ern. This represents the gradual suffering of trauma. The piece
of bullet shards are lost in his body, juxtaposing to the idea that the Aboriginal’s desire and dream
for equality is lost, which is further bolstered by Nigel, Norm, Harry and Bertie’s views after returning
from the war.

The lock of Frank’s hair: The lock of Frank’s hair: When Bertie and Tommy first cut the hair off frank,
it symbolizes indigenous displacement; the irony of dying in Europe. The lock is a last attempt to
make sure Frank gets a proper burial, a symbol of the traditions that Indigenous people remember
but are unable to practice. When Bertie brings it home, it symbolizes the memory of Frank and also
his inability to go back and recover his childhood and traditional connection to Australia, which now
for him stands only for the horrors of the war.

Little green sprouts: “Little tiny tender shoots, up from the bones. But that’s all lost now”. (Bertie’s
grandad, Page 85). The shoots represents the rise in rebellion and equality of Aboriginal Australians.
It juxtaposes between Bertie losing his equality and rights and that all hope is lost for a land of
opportunity, same rights and freedom.