A BRIEF

HISTORY OF
AUSTRALIAN LITERATURE
UGC-NET

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 Early Colonial Period (1788-1850)

Key Features
Diaries and Journals: One of the primary forms of literature during this period
was the personal accounts of explorers, settlers, and o cials. These diaries
and journals provided rsthand observations of the Australian environment, its
ora and fauna, as well as encounters with Aboriginal people. Examples
include the journals of Captain James Cook, Matthew Flinders, and the diaries
of early settlers like Watkin Tench.

Convict Narratives: Australia was initially established as a penal colony, and

narratives written by convicts formed a signi cant part of early Australian
literature. These narratives often depicted the harsh conditions of convict life,
the struggle for survival, and the desire for redemption. Notable works include
"A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay" by George Barrington and "For
the Term of His Natural Life" by Marcus Clarke.

Exploration Literature: The exploration of the Australian continent by European

explorers led to the publication of narratives describing their journeys. These
accounts focused on the challenges and adventures encountered during
exploration expeditions. One of the notable works from this period is
"Explorations in Australia" by John McDouall Stuart.

Poetry: Poetry played a signi cant role in early Australian literature, with poets
capturing the natural beauty of the Australian landscape, as well as the
experiences of the settlers. Henry Lawson and Adam Lindsay Gordon are
among the prominent poets of this era, known for their poems that celebrated
Australian life and portrayed the struggles of bush life.

Early Novels: Although relatively few novels were published during this period,
some notable works emerged. "Robbery Under Arms" by Rolf Boldrewood,
published in 1882 but set in the early colonial period, depicted the lives of
bushrangers (outlaws) and their interactions with settlers. Another signi cant
novel is "His Natural Life" (also known as "For the Term of His Natural Life") by
Marcus Clarke, which explored the experiences of convicts in Australia.

Aboriginal Narratives: While the perspectives of Indigenous Australians were

rarely represented in the written form during this period, some works emerged
that attempted to document Aboriginal cultures and stories. Examples include
the works of Joseph Lycett, a convict artist, who produced illustrations of
Aboriginal people and landscapes.

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Prominent writers
Watkin Tench (1758-1833) - British marine o cer and author known for his
detailed accounts of the early settlement in Australia, particularly his book "A
Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson."

Mary Reibey (1777-1855) - An in uential businesswoman and philanthropist,

Reibey wrote a memoir titled "The Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Reibey" in
which she recounted her life as a convict and her subsequent success as a
trader.

David Collins (1756-1810) - British judge and writer who served as a judge-
advocate of the colony of New South Wales. He authored "An Account of the
English Colony in New South Wales," a signi cant historical work about the
early years of the settlement.

George Barrington (1755-1804) - A former convict and thief turned author,

Barrington wrote "A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay" in which he
described his experiences as a convict transported to Australia.

John Dunmore Lang (1799-1878) - Scottish-born Australian writer and

Presbyterian minister who advocated for the establishment of a free and
independent Australia. He wrote several in uential books, including "An
Historical and Statistical Account of New South Wales."

Marcus Clarke (1846-1881) - Although Clarke's most famous work, "For the
Term of His Natural Life," was published in 1874 (after the early colonial
period), it is set in the early colonial period and depicts the life of convicts in
Australia. Clarke's novel became one of the most celebrated Australian works
of the time.

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Bush Ballads and Colonial Literature
(1850s-1890s)

Features
Bush Ballads: Bush ballads became one of the most signi cant forms of
expression during this period. They were narrative poems that depicted life in
the Australian bush, often focusing on themes such as exploration, bush
ranging (outlaw activities), gold rushes, and the hardships of pioneer life. These
ballads were commonly recited or sung, and they captured the essence of
Australian folklore and identity. The most famous bush ballad poet of this era is
Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson, whose works include "The Man from Snowy
River" and "Waltzing Matilda.”

Important writers
Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson (1864-1941) - Known as one of Australia's
most famous poets, Banjo Paterson wrote numerous bush ballads that
celebrated the Australian bush and its characters. His works include "The Man
from Snowy River," "Clancy of the Over ow," and "Waltzing Matilda."

Henry Lawson (1867-1922) - Considered one of Australia's greatest writers,

Henry Lawson wrote extensively about life in the Australian bush. His works
captured the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people, and his
notable works include "The Drover's Wife," "The Loaded Dog," and "In a Dry
Season."

Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833-1870) - Although not primarily known for bush
ballads, Gordon was an in uential poet who wrote about Australian themes.
His poems often depicted the ruggedness of the Australian landscape and the
spirit of adventure. Notable works include "The Sick Stockrider" and "How We
Beat the Favourite."

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) - The pen name of Thomas Alexander Browne,

Rolf Boldrewood wrote novels that romanticized the bush and its characters,
including bushrangers. His most famous work is "Robbery Under Arms," a
bushranging adventure story set in the Australian outback.

Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) - Writing under the pseudonym "Tom Collins,"

Joseph Furphy authored the novel "Such Is Life" (1903), which depicted the
complexities and realities of Australian bush life. The novel blended ction,
philosophy, and social commentary.

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Important writers

Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson (1864-1941) - Known as one of Australia's

most famous poets, Banjo Paterson wrote numerous bush ballads that
celebrated the Australian bush and its characters. His works include "The Man
from Snowy River," "Clancy of the Over ow," and "Waltzing Matilda."

Henry Lawson (1867-1922) - Considered one of Australia's greatest writers,

Henry Lawson wrote extensively about life in the Australian bush. His works
captured the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people, and his
notable works include "The Drover's Wife," "The Loaded Dog," and "In a Dry
Season."

Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833-1870) - Although not primarily known for bush
ballads, Gordon was an in uential poet who wrote about Australian themes.
His poems often depicted the ruggedness of the Australian landscape and the
spirit of adventure. Notable works include "The Sick Stockrider" and "How We
Beat the Favourite."

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) - The pen name of Thomas Alexander Browne,

Rolf Boldrewood wrote novels that romanticized the bush and its characters,
including bushrangers. His most famous work is "Robbery Under Arms," a
bushranging adventure story set in the Australian outback.

Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) - Writing under the pseudonym "Tom Collins,"

Joseph Furphy authored the novel "Such Is Life" (1903), which depicted the
complexities and realities of Australian bush life. The novel blended ction,
philosophy, and social commentary.

Barbara Baynton (1857-1929) - Barbara Baynton wrote short stories that

provided a darker and more realistic portrayal of life in the bush, particularly for
women. Notable works include "Squeaker's Mate" and "The Chosen Vessel."

Edward Dyson (1865-1931) - Edward Dyson was a writer and journalist who
explored the lives of bush workers, miners, and shearers. His works often had
a humorous and satirical tone. Notable works include "Fact'ry 'Ands" and "The
Golden Shanty."

Marcus Clarke (1846-1881) - While not primarily a writer of bush ballads,

Marcus Clarke's novel "For the Term of His Natural Life" (1874) depicted the
lives of convicts in Australia. The novel is set in the early colonial period and
portrays the struggles and hardships faced by convicts.

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 Nationalism and Literary Modernism
(1890s-1940s)

Introduction
During this time, Australian writers began to explore and assert a distinct
national identity through their works, while also experimenting with modernist
techniques and themes. The literature of this period re ected the evolving
social, cultural, and political landscape of Australia.

The Bulletin School: The Bulletin, a popular literary magazine, played a

signi cant role in promoting Australian nationalism and publishing works by
writers who became known as the "Bulletin School." They wrote about life in
the bush, the plight of the working class, and social and political issues.
Notable writers associated with this school include Henry Lawson, Banjo
Paterson, and Steele Rudd.

Important writers
Henry Lawson (1867-1922) - Celebrated as one of Australia's greatest
writers, Lawson captured the essence of Australian life and explored social
injustices through his stories and poems. His works, such as "The Drover's
Wife" and "The Union Buries Its Dead," re ected the struggles of ordinary
Australians and showcased his unique literary style.

Banjo Paterson (1864-1941) - Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson was

renowned for his iconic bush ballads that celebrated the Australian landscape
and characters. His works, including "The Man from Snowy River," "Clancy of
the Over ow," and "Waltzing Matilda," became emblematic of Australian
identity.

Katharine Susannah Prichard (1883-1969) - Prichard was a prominent

novelist and writer who focused on social and political issues in her works. Her
novel "The Pioneers" (1915) depicted the struggles of early settlers in Western
Australia and explored themes of class, gender, and the impact of colonization.

Christina Stead (1902-1983) - Stead was a pioneering modernist writer who

achieved international acclaim. Her novel "The Man Who Loved
Children" (1940) delved into complex family dynamics and o ered a scathing
critique of middle-class life.

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Important writers

Patrick White (1912-1990) - Considered one of Australia's greatest novelists,

White's works showcased a blend of modernist techniques and Australian
themes. His novels, such as "The Aunt's Story" (1948) and "The Tree of
Man" (1955), explored themes of identity, spirituality, and the Australian
landscape.

Dymphna Cusack (1902-1981) and Florence James (1902-1993) - Cusack and

James co-wrote the novel "Come in Spinner" (1951), which examined the lives
of women in wartime Sydney. The novel addressed issues of gender, class, and
the impact of war on Australian society.

Xavier Herbert (1901-1984) - Herbert's novel "Capricornia" (1938) is considered

a landmark work in Australian literature. It explored themes of race, identity,
and the clash of cultures in the context of colonialism and nationalism.

Eleanor Dark (1901-1985) - Dark was an in uential novelist who addressed

social and political issues in her works. Her novel "The Timeless Land" (1941)
portrayed the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia and its impact on Indigenous
people.

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Post-War Period and Cultural Renaissance
(1940s-1960s)

Features
The post-war period and cultural renaissance in Australian literature, spanning
the 1940s to the 1960s, marked a transformative phase in the nation's literary
landscape. This era witnessed a renewed sense of self-awareness and cultural
identity as Australian writers sought to break free from the colonial past and
explore new themes and forms of expression. It was a time of experimentation,
social commentary, and a renaissance of Australian literary voices.

The Jindyworobak Movement: The Jindyworobak movement emerged during

this time as a literary and cultural movement focused on promoting Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australian literature. Its members sought to reconnect with
the land, draw inspiration from Aboriginal culture, and develop a distinctly
Australian literature. Notable gures associated with the movement include Rex
Ingamells and Roland Robinson.

Important writers
Patrick White (1912-1990) - Renowned as one of Australia's greatest novelists,
White's works delved into complex psychological and philosophical themes
while exploring Australian society and identity. Notable works include
"Voss" (1957) and "The Solid Mandala" (1966).

Judith Wright (1915-2000) - A highly in uential poet and environmentalist,

Wright explored themes of land, identity, and Indigenous culture in her poetry.
Her collections, such as "The Gateway" (1953), addressed issues of social
justice and land rights.

A.D. Hope (1907-2000) - Hope was a poet and essayist known for his satirical
and witty commentary on Australian society and culture. His works, including
"The Wandering Islands" (1955) and "Collected Poems" (1970), explored
themes of modernity and the complexities of human existence.

Christina Stead (1902-1983) - Stead, already mentioned in the previous era,

continued to write during this period and gained further recognition. Her novel
"The Man Who Loved Children" (1940) achieved critical acclaim and is
considered one of the greatest Australian novels of the 20th century.

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 Post-War Period and Cultural Renaissance
(1940s-1960s)

Important writers
Xavier Herbert (1901-1984) - Herbert's novel "Capricornia" (1938) had a
signi cant impact on Australian literature during the post-war period. It
explored themes of race, identity, and the clash of cultures in the context of
colonialism and nationalism.

David Campbell (1915-1979) - Campbell was a poet who celebrated the

Australian landscape and the struggles of everyday Australians in his works.
His poetry collections, such as "The Time's Whistle" (1954), captured the spirit
of post-war Australia.

Hal Porter (1911-1984) - Porter was a short story writer and novelist known for
his evocative depictions of Australian life and society. His works, including "A
Handful of Pennies" (1958) and "The Tilted Cross" (1976), explored themes of
identity, memory, and personal relationships.

David Malouf (1934-present) - Although emerging toward the end of this

period, Malouf is a highly regarded contemporary Australian writer. His works,
such as "Johnno" (1975) and "Remembering Babylon" (1993), explore
Australian history, identity, and the interplay between culture and personal
experience.

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 Contemporary and Multicultural Literature
(1970s-present)

Features & Writers

Multiculturalism and Identity: The 1970s marked a turning point in Australian
society with the introduction of multicultural policies, recognizing and
celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of its population. This shift is
re ected in Australian literature, as writers began to explore the experiences
and challenges faced by immigrants, indigenous communities, and
marginalized groups. The exploration of identity, belonging, and cultural
hybridity became central themes in contemporary Australian literature.

Indigenous Literature: Indigenous Australian voices and perspectives gained

prominence during this period, o ering powerful insights into the experiences
and histories of Indigenous peoples. Notable Indigenous authors such as Sally
Morgan, Kim Scott, Alexis Wright, and Tara June Winch emerged, addressing
themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the ongoing struggles faced by
Indigenous communities.

Postcolonial Narratives: Australian literature increasingly engaged with

postcolonial perspectives, questioning and critiquing the legacy of colonialism
and its impact on society. Writers such as Peter Carey, Richard Flanagan, and
Kate Grenville explored historical events and narratives from alternative
viewpoints, challenging traditional representations and o ering nuanced
interpretations of Australia's past.

Immigrant and Diasporic Voices: Australian literature became enriched by

the voices of immigrant writers and authors from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Writers like Nam Le, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Alice Pung, and Brian Castro
brought forth narratives that explored the complexities of migration, cultural
integration, and the experiences of diaspora communities.

Gender and Feminist Writing: Feminist literature and women's voices gained
signi cant recognition during this period. Writers such as Helen Garner,
Germaine Greer, Fiona Wright, and Charlotte Wood tackled issues of gender,
sexuality, and power dynamics, contributing to important conversations about
feminism and women's rights.

Experimental and Innovative Writing: Contemporary Australian literature is

marked by a spirit of experimentation and innovation, with writers pushing the
boundaries of form and language. Authors like Alexis Wright, Gerald Murnane,
and Kate Holden challenge conventional narrative structures and employ
unique stylistic approaches to explore their themes.

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Contemporary and Multicultural Literature
(1970s-present)

Important writers
Intersectionality and Social Issues: Contemporary Australian literature grapples
with a range of social issues, including race, class, sexuality, mental health,
and environmental concerns. Authors like Christos Tsiolkas, Melissa
Lucashenko, Benjamin Law, and Ceridwen Dovey delve into these complex
topics, shedding light on the diverse realities and lived experiences of
individuals and communities.

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