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brasideios · 2 years ago

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Thank you for the tag @aeide Great idea 🤍

Rules: 10 (non-ancient) books for people to get to know you better, or that you just really like.

So these are my current faves from the last century or so and limited to fiction. I left out the 19th C stuff - just know that I’m an English Literature nerd, and if it was written by the Bronte sisters, George Eliot or Jane Austen, I have read it at least ten times.

1. The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac.

I have read all of his books, and I love Dharma Bums also, but the Subterraneans speaks to the theme that will always draw me in - hopeless love. The way Kerouac writes, the deep introspection and pawing over of his thoughts is really relatable to me, and the way he is always the destroyer of his own happiness… not to ignore that this book has issues (it’s deeply of it’s time, 1950’s US) but when it comes to emotional impact, I can’t think of a better example.

2. An Imaginary Life by David Malouf.

Malouf is a contemporary Australian author who often writes in a poetic way, and An Imaginary Life is perhaps his most poetical. Its the story of Ovid’s exile to the Black Sea. There are passages in this book about home, loss and memory that will never leave me. I like all of his work though, almost without exception.

3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson

I have probably read this book fifty times. It’s funny and messed up and wild - and there isn’t another book like it. I read this when I just want to laugh and don’t want to engage my brain too much.

4. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Like Fear and Loathing, I’ve read this book many many times. It’s wonderful though sad. The way it’s structured, so that you seem to circle around and around the story, as the story grows darker and darker… it’s truly an amazing piece of work. The movie absolutely failed to capture it.

5. The Secret River by Kate Grenville.

Another contemporary Australian author, the Secret River is historical fiction based on the white settlement of New South Wales in the early 19th Century. It is beautifully written and tackles the ugly side of colonialism head on. There are scenes in this book that made me sob. She also wrote the Lieutenant which addresses some of the same issues and it’s also very good.

6. The True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey.

Another contemporary Australian author (though he lives in the US now) - as the title suggests, this is a book about Ned Kelly, the famous bushranger. It’s written in Ned Kelly’s voice, and it’s done so, so well. I can’t think of another work that is so bold in its use of voice.

7. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

I honestly struggled to decide which of his books to choose because I love his work for the way he puts words together, and he does it so incredibly well in everything he writes; however, All the Pretty Horses was the first of his I read, and it made me read all the others, so it seemed the right one to choose. No Country for Old Men and Suttree are other favourites of his.

8. Imperium by Robert Harris

The first in a trilogy - they’re all brilliant - retelling the life of Cicero. I love the way Harris writes - very clean, very light. I would give a leg to be half so good at writing to be honest.

9. The Gates of Athens by Conn Iggulden.

This follows the life of Xanthippus - Pericles’ father - during the 480s BCE. As with Harris, Iggulden’s writing is absolutely a benchmark for me. This is the first in a series and I haven’t checked in a while if the next one has been published. Note to self. He also wrote the Falcon of Sparta which was great, too.

10. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Millar.

I know there are issues with this retelling, and honestly I don’t care. The way it’s written is everything. The word craft is so beautiful; the feeling that permeates the whole story of impending doom; how every happy moment is in fact sad. It’s gorgeous. Its poetic. It speaks to that hopeless love trope I mentioned earlier. I also loved her Circe for the same reasons.

Tagging @sleeplessincarcosa @softest-punk @erzsebetrosztoczy @myriath @woodsman2b @mimbotomy @auroralykos @haythamk @theinkandthesea I want to read more from around the world so pls gimme all the recs ☺️ or ignore me - no pressure!

#tag game #books

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tixersdotcom · 2 years ago

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Although a lot of us have entered the "John Wick" franchise thinking that it's its own thing, a mere peek into the history of cinema will show that action-packed series owes a lot to samurai films, Westerns, and of course, action films from the days of yore. And Chad Stahelski and his incredible team are well aware of that, and they wear their inspirations on their sleeves. All the "John Wick" films are filled with references, Easter eggs, and homages to films and literature, and "John Wick: Chapter 4" is no different. Since we probably have a long way to go, let's not waste any time and get on with it. Major Spoilers Ahead Dante's Inferno "John Wick: Chapter 4" opens with lines from Dante's Inferno. When John Wick met the Bowery King for the first time, he said that John's descent into Hell had begun, thereby referencing Dante's Inferno from "Divine Comedy," which involved Dante going to Hell via nine stages of suffering with a poet of Roman descent, Virgil. John technically has been through Hell; he has almost died, and he has returned to the world of the living. Now, he's about to unleash Hell on those who've wronged him. So, maybe the repurposing of the famous poem doesn't exactly mean that John is journeying into Hell. In fact, he's becoming the personification of Hell, and everyone has to pass through him to survive. BTW, out of all the action scenes in "John Wick 4," John personally appears in a total of 9 setpieces. So, the allegory makes sense. The first one is in Morocco, the second one is on the rooftop of the Osaka Continental, the third one is in the glass panes of the Osaka Continental, the fourth one is against Killa, the fifth one is at the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the sixth one is at the Arc de Triomphe, the seventh one is in that house, the eighth one is on the Montmartre stairs, and the ninth one is the duel at the Sacré Coeur. Lawrence Of Arabia David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" match cut a close-up shot of Peter O'Toole blowing out a burning matchstick with an extremely long shot of a sunrise. After lighting up a pentagon in John Wick's training room, the Bowery King takes a deep breath and then blows out the matchstick. That's when editor Nathan Orloff cut to a shot of the sunrise. I don't think that's where the references end because the horse riders of the High Table and John Wick riding in the distance, barely recognizable due to the heat shimmer, echo the shot of Sherif Ali arriving at his well. Ned Kelly Ned Kelly's apparent last words are brought up multiple times to comment on accepting death because Wick and Winston are not just preparing themselves to confront death, but accept it as well. But, probably more interestingly, Kelly and his gang were synonymous with a bulletproof suit that protected their chest, shoulders, back, and crotch, along with a helmet that protected their head. That was all the way back in 1879. Meanwhile, "John Wick" imagines a future where assassins can wear a three-piece bulletproof suit that can even resist bullets from a shotgun. Marquis' Father Can Be A Follower Of Martha Beck When Winston and Charon meet Marquis Vincent de Gramont, he says that his father used to tell him that how one does anything is how one should do everything. Apparently, the aforementioned quote was coined by Martha Beck, who is an author, life coach, and public speaker with various degrees from Harvard University. So, it seems like one of the writers, or Chad himself, is a fan of Beck and, hence, has decided to include her teachings in this circus of violence. Zatoichi The first name that comes to everyone's mind upon seeing Donnie Yen's Caine, a blind, cane-sword-wielding mercenary, is Zatoichi. Created by Kan Shimozawa, the character made his first appearance in a 1948 essay and eventually went on to feature in 26 films while being portrayed by Shintaro Katsu, Takeshi Kitano, Show Aikawa, and Shingo Katori. Caine's penchant for not being interested in gambling is probably a subversion of Zatoichi's habit of gamb

ling. But since Yen is from Hong Kong and Zatoichi is Japanese, I am not sure if the comparison is fair. By the way, Yen has played a blind action hero before in "Rogue One." And going by the tease at the end of "John Wick 4," he'll be playing Caine for a long time now. The Menpo Mask The High Table soldiers from "John Wick 3" wore pretty generic-looking but bulletproof masks. The ones in "John Wick 4," though, wear bulletproof menpo since they are Japanese. Traditionally, the menpo was worn by samurai warriors in feudal Japan. But since this is modern Japan, you see gun-wielding soldiers wearing it, thereby keeping up with the times and staying in touch with their roots. Flash Point No, I'm not talking about the DC comic series, the DC animated film, or the upcoming "Flash" movie, which is based on "Flashpoint." I'm talking about the Hong Kong action film by Wilson Yip featuring Donnie Yen, marking the duo's second collaboration and paving the way for many future collaborations. Anyway, in a kinetic fighting scene in "Flash Point," Donnie Yen did a wind-up punch, something that's usually seen in animated fighting scenes. But he did it with such conviction that no one batted an eye, and it became instantly iconic. In "John Wick: Chapter 4," we see Yen do it again after displaying his other iconic move, i.e., the flurry of punches made famous in "Ip Man" (another film by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen). Bruce Lee Although the origins of the nunchaku are iffy, if you mention that particular weapon, everyone associates it with Bruce Lee because he was the one who made it incredibly popular, at least in films. So, when John Wick starts using a nunchaku to bash anyone and everyone around him, you can feel the spirit of Bruce Lee flowing through that scene. In addition to that, Donnie Yen's black suit, white shirt, and black tie ensemble is probably an homage to Bruce Lee, something that Yen incorporated into the film to push back against the racist characterization of his role. This isn't the first time the franchise has referenced Lee because "Chapter 2" had an entire fight sequence set in a room full of mirrors, much like the one from "Enter the Dragon." Sammo Hung Scott Adkins as Killa in that purple three-piece suit is a very obvious homage to the legendary Sammo Hung's appearance in "SPL: Sha Po Lang." Guess who else was in that movie? That's right. Donnie Yen. Well, "John Wick: Chapter 4" isn't the first time that Adkins has appeared across Yen. Adkins has also worked with Yen in "Ip Man 4." Although Adkins doesn't share screen space with Marko Zaror (who plays Chidi) in this film, they've worked together before in "Undisputed III: Redemption” and "Savage Dog." By the way, if you are hearing the names of Scott Adkins and Sammo Hung, or even Donnie Yen, for the first time, there's no need to be ashamed. Just make a note of it and start watching all the incredible work they've done. I Am Klaus If the director, writers, and Keanu himself punch me for saying what I am about to say, I'll totally take it. But when Klaus kept saying, "I am Klaus," I was instantly reminded of this running gag from Craig Ferguson's era of "The Late Late Show," where he and his fellow robot skeleton, Geoff (Josh Robert Thompson), pretended to be German. Geoff dubbed himself Klaus and kept saying, "I am Klaus," at the end of every sentence. If not that, it can be a homage to Groot from "Guardians of the Galaxy," who can only say, "I am Groot." John Wick Self References The first "John Wick" film had the titular character running after Iosef in a club called the Red Circle while wading through a sea of people dancing between pulsating lights. After losing sight of him, Wick unleashed his gun-jutsu on Iosef's henchmen, and it ended with Wick being thrown off the balcony by Kirill, played by Daniel Bernhardt. Echoes of that scene are there in the fight sequence in Killa's nightclub (which is a

combo of Kraftwerk Berlin and the Alte Nationalgalerie), down to the rave, the music, and Wick's fall from a great height. There's no Bernhardt in this scene because Kirill was technically killed in "John Wick." But the actor has a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo when the assassins in Paris prepare their guns because Bernhardt has a long working relationship with Keanu and Chad. Additionally, Winston repeats a line from "Parabellum" as he sees the commencement of the attack of the assassins on Jonathan. Eugène Delacroix The place where Winston meets the Marquis is filled with paintings. The ones that I noticed are "The Raft of the Medusa," "The Barque of Dante," "The Death of Sardanapalus," and "Liberty Leading the People," among many, many others. Winston says that the painting "Liberty Leading the People" represents the cost of tyranny. But, as per Delacroix, that's liberty personified, and she is leading the people to freedom. Given the context of the scene in "John Wick 4," it makes sense because John is looking to be free of the bindings of the High Table, while Winston is seeking the cessation of his exile. When Winston begins to leave, Vincent reminds him that if Wick loses the duel, he has to die with him. Winston looks at the painting next to him, which is "The Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault, and repeats Ned Kelly's saying. I am not sure if there's any thematic significance there, but I don't think it'll be a stretch to say that there's a direct line between the painting's commentary on survival by cannibalizing one another and everything that's happening in "Chapter 4" for the sake of survival. On a side note, this scene and the conversation kind of reminded me of a similar scene set in an art museum in "Skyfall" between James Bond and his quartermaster. 'Mission: Impossible—Fallout' "John Wick 4" has a pivotal scene at the Trocadéro Square, where the location and time of the duel are decided, and an action scene at the Arc de Triomphe, where Wick is chased by a bunch of assassins. "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" had a pivotal scene at the Trocadéro Square, where Walker revealed his true intentions, and an action scene at the Arc de Triomphe, where Ethan Hunt was chased down by the French police. Given how "Mission: Impossible — Fallout" was one of the greatest action films of the past decade, it makes sense to tip one's hat to that film. Yes, it can be totally random. But given how prominent "Fallout" was, I think it was on Chad and the rest of the team's radar before going into their own film. The Matrix John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, sits in the Mairie des Lilas subway station and waits for the train to arrive. Subway stations and trains were a big part of Neo's (also played by Keanu Reeves) journey in "The Matrix" and "The Matrix Revolutions." The connections do not end there, of course. Laurence Fishburne has played the role of Morpheus in "The Matrix" franchise, and he also portrays the Bowery King in the "John Wick" films. Chad Stahelski, the genius behind the "John Wick" franchise, has also been a part of the stunt team in "The Matrix" movies along with David Leitch. Chad doubled for Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix" films and showed up as a major character named Chad in "The Matrix Resurrections." The subway scene in "John Wick 4" has Wick standing in front of a mirror, which is an object that's used to bring someone out of the Matrix and later used to travel between locations inside the Matrix. There's a long-running fan theory that the entirety of the "John Wick" series is a simulation that Neo is in. Caravaggio During the subway scene, the painting titled "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas" by Caravaggio shows up as the Bowery King hands over Wick's newly made suit. The painting depicts Thomas the Apostle's doubts about the resurrection of Jesus Christ as he wanted to know if Christ had been really killed and then resurrected. John Wick has a lot of Christia

n imagery. John Wick kind of looks like the most popular depiction of Jesus Christ. He technically dies in "Chapter 3" and is resurrected in "John Wick 4." I don't think anyone casts doubt on his return. But there's this underlying theme that if Wick manages to beat Caine and Vincent at the duel, he'll become a "sect," which is exactly what happened when Christ returned from the dead. So maybe that's the parallel that is being drawn here. 'The Warriors' This one is pretty simple. Walter Hill's "The Warriors" had a radio announcer updating the progress of the protagonists as they make their way through New York City while being attacked by the antagonists. The final act of "John Wick: Chapter 4" features Wick going all the way from the 7th arrondissement to the Sacré-Cur, while a radio jockey updates the assassins about Wick's location and plays songs like "Nowhere to Run" and "Marie Douceur, Marie Colère" to set the mood. It's kind of hilarious that the radio channel is named WUXIA, which is the genre that films like "14 Blades," "House of Flying Daggers," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero," and "Shadow" belong to. 'Constantine' Dragon's Breath! I can't believe that tons of people claim that they love Keanu Reeves' "Constantine" and that they want a sequel. And yet, when Dragon's Breath showed up, and Wick used it to shoot up a bunch of assassins, not a lot of people noticed the "Constantine" reference. Anyway, Dragon's Breath is a rare piece of weaponry that was given to John Constantine to fight off literal demons. Yes, both of those characters, played by Keanu Reeves, are named John. Both of those characters are associated with Christian imagery. And both of them have now used a firearm called "Dragon's Breath." Is John Wick secretly John Constantine? No, but you are free to use your imagination. 'Door,' 'Hotline Miami,' Or 'Malignant' After the bike chase and before climbing up the stairs, John Wick has to fight a bunch of assassins in an abandoned apartment. It's a single-take or one-take sequence. But instead of doing it the traditional way, with the camera following the character from behind and then inserting cuts whenever something crosses the frame, Chad and his team go for a top-down angle, likely with the help of a drone camera. Hence, we get an eagle's-eye view of the whole scene. There are similar scenes in the 1988 film "Door" by Banmei Takahashi and the 2021 James Wan film, "Malignant." At least, these are the two films that come to mind. In addition to that, there are tons of top-down shooter games, but the one that makes heavy use of a shotgun is "Hotline Miami." It can be either of them or none of them, but there's no doubt about the fact that it's a fantastic action sequence. 'Amélie' As per Letterboxd, Chad Stahelski loves "Amélie." That's what brought him to the Sacré-Cur. But during that process, he discovered the side steps leading up to the location. And that's why we got that painful but hugely enjoyable fight sequence on the Montmartre stairs. The Pencil John Wick is famous for using a pencil to kill people. We saw him actually do it in "Chapter 2." But in "Chapter 4," it's actually Donnie Yen's Caine who puts a pencil through Chidi's hand. Given Caine and John Wick's friendship, it's possible that Wick acquired the ability to use a pencil like a knife from Caine. 'The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly' Well, there are several references to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," directed by one of the most prolific filmmakers, Sergio Leone. John Wick having echoes of the Man with No Name, played by Clint Eastwood, is as clear as day. Then there's Shamier Anderson's Mr. Nobody, who is literally a man without a name. Blondie, or The Man with No Name, possesses a pocket watch that plays music when opened. Caine possesses a similar pocket watch, which has a photo of his daughter in it. And then there's the duel between Caine and Wick, complete with Western-esque music mixed with Wic

k's theme. Conclusion These are just some of the references, Easter Eggs, and homages in "John Wick 4." Some of them have been purposefully inserted into the film by the makers, and the rest are parallels that I have observed. They can be correct, or they can be wrong. Either way, it greatly impacted my viewing experience. That said, if you notice any inspirations, hat tips, or details other than the aforementioned ones, please feel free to share them with "John Wick" fans.

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qnewsau · 9 months ago

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Bushrangers Moonlite and Nesbitt for heritage register

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/bushrangers-moonlite-and-nesbitt-for-heritage-register/

Bushrangers Moonlite and Nesbitt for heritage register

The Heritage Council of NSW is considering listing the graves of bushrangers Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt on the state heritage register.

James Nesbitt died in a shoot-out with police at Wantabadgery in 1879. When he saw James shot, Moonlite raced immediately to his dying friend, apparently oblivious to the danger to himself. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “Moonlite wept over him like a child, laid his head upon the dying man’s breast, and kissed him passionately.”

Better known to the court as Andrew George Scott, Captain Moonlite would hang for his role as leader of the gang two months later.

The Moonlite gang had made its mark on colonial history.

…but about a century later, historian Garry Wotherspoon’s discovery of Moonlite’s death-cell letters made the story a whole lot more interesting.

It was always known that Moonlite and Nesbitt were close. They met in Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison and hooked up again on the outside. They formed a small gang of young outlaws and went on a crime spree across Victoria and NSW.

But the shoot-out at Wantabadgery spelled the end of the gang.

A lock of his young lover’s hair

Imprisoned in Darlinghurst Gaol, Moonlite wrote the letters declaring his love for James Nesbitt. He fashioned a ring from a lock of his young lover’s hair. He would wear it to the gallows. Moonlite also asked that the authorities bury him in the same grave as James Nesbitt.

“My dying wish is to be buried beside my beloved James Nesbitt, the man with whom I was united by every tie which could bind human friendship, we were one in hopes, in heart and soul and this unity lasted until he died in my arms.”

The colonial authorities ignored his request. Dead bushrangers did not rank high on the list of people they were inclined to grant favours.

However, in 1995, Andrew George Scott’s remains were relocated to a cemetery at Gundagai. He was reburied near the presumed location of the unmarked grave of James Nesbitt.

Aussie Bushrangers:

A Captain Moonlite Pictorial: the gay bushranger.

Groping a bushranger: Jimmy Kenniff and the sword-swallower.

Happy Birthday, Ned Kelly, though we never knew you at all.

Queer True Crime: Cannibal Convicts of Van Diemen’s Land.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#gay history

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mediaevalmusereads · 1 year ago

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True History of the Kelly Gang: A Novel. By Peter Carey. Vintage Internarional, 2000.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Series: N/A

Summary: In True History of the Kelly Gang, the legendary Ned Kelly speaks for himself, scribbling his narrative on errant scraps of paper in semiliterate but magically descriptive prose as he flees from the police. To his pursuers, Kelly is nothing but a monstrous criminal, a thief and a murderer. To his own people, the lowly class of ordinary Australians, the bushranger is a hero, defying the authority of the English to direct their lives. Indentured by his bootlegger mother to a famous horse thief (who was also her lover), Ned saw his first prison cell at 15 and by the age of 26 had become the most wanted man in the wild colony of Victoria, taking over whole towns and defying the law until he was finally captured and hanged. Here is a classic outlaw tale, made alive by the skill of a great novelist.

***Full review below.***

CONTENT WARNINGS: racism (including the n-word), homophobia/transphobia, child abuse, child death, blood, gore

OVERVIEW: I saw this book on a list of best historical fiction and tbought it would be a nice deviation from my usual reads. I know very little about the history of Australia, so I figured this would probably prompt me to go learn more. I did learn a fair amount, but even so, I can't say I was overly impressed by this novel. Though I respect what it was trying to do and the way in which it was written, I ultimately felt like the narrative progressed unevenly, so for that reason, this book gets 3 stars from me.

WRITING: Carey's prose is interesting but admittedly a little hard to read. It is meant to mimic the dialect and education level of a poor criminal, so there are a lot of run-on sentences and abbreviations, as well as a lack of punctuation (mostly commas and quotation marks). While I appreciate the intention, I do think the style made it harder for me to sink into the story, and at times, I was unsure of exactly what was going on.

There were also little things that bothered me but were probably stylistic choices rather than missteps. For one, Carey repeats the word "adjectival" a lot - no doubt as a stand in for a curse word. Still, the repetition was distracting. Carey also chooses to include the n-word without censorship, and while I know it's an imitation of 19th century racism and writing style, I couldn't help but be deeply uncomfortable.

PLOT: The plot of this book basically recounts the life of Ned Kelly from birth to age 25 (when he is executed). Ned Kelly is historically a famous bushranger who lived in 19th century Australia and is akin to a Robin Hood figure, and Carey's story seeks to recount his life and crimes from the perspective of Kelly writing to his daughter.

I really enjoyed the subject of this book and the way Carey showcased the desperation and poverty of 19th century Australian life. Characters would struggle over and over again to try to get to a place of stability, but because of the corrupt politics and so-called "Squattocracy," it was near impossible for people to make an honest living. I think Carey did a good job capturing that desperation and the unrelenting hardship, and by the end, I was fully sympathetic to Kelly's causes.

I also think Carey did a good job contructing a strong relationship between Kelly and his mother. Kelly is incredibly protective of his mother and the two remain devoted to one another, even when things get rocky. I liked that Kelly struggled with the fact that his mother kept allowing horrible men into her life but forbid her son from interfering. It made the relationship more interesting and the question of survival more complex, and it seemed to me that Kelly's love for his mother was the only unshakeable thing about this book.

I also saw a lot of value in avoiding a lot of courtroom or violent scenes. Carey is not interested in writing out a dramatic trial or detailing the day to day experience of a 3 years hard labor sentence; though Kelly is jailed a few times, he never describes what the experience of a trial or a long stint in prison is like. There is always a time skip so the focus remains on his life as a farmer or as a bushranger. Part of me thinks this is an interesting way for Carey to make Kelly feel more real (less mythical), and I'm glad we don't dwell on things thay have a tendency to be dramatized for shock value. But another part of me has to admit that it made for some really tedious scenes, and some parts of the book felt a little slow.

But my main critique has to do with the racism, sexism, and anti-cross-dressing attitudes (which elicit some homophobia). Though I understand that 19th century attitudes towards non-white people, queer people, and women in general weren't the best, most of the -isms in this book felt random or inserted for some gritty sense of historical accuracy. Intellectually, I understand that these moments serve a purpose, but they did dampen my enjoyment of this book. They didn't feel like they were inserted as a strong critique of white settler colonialism, and besides, I can't quite figure out what Carey is trying to do with masculinity in this novel. Maybe I have to think about it a little more, but for the time being, let's just say that it all feels icky.

CHARACTERS: There are a lot of characters in this book so I'll only discuss our narrator (Ned Kelly).

Carey's Ned Kelly is made out to be a sympathetic do-gooder whose only goal is to live in peace and make enough money on his farm to live a quiet life. Despite all his criminal activity, Kelly has a fairly strong sense of honor and seems to be one of the only men who has a problem with women being treated poorly (particularly his mother). As a result, he did feel like he was an honest man who just got dragged into conflict against his will.

I'm not entirely sure if we're meant to read Kelly as 100% sympathetic or if the idealistic portrait is supposed to prompt us to view him as an unreliable narrator. Maybe this ambiguity is good because it makes us think a little more about the narrative, but if I'm honest, I wasn't very interested in figuring out if Kelly was lying. Personally, the idealism made Kelly feel a little dull, and I wanted him to either have a little more grey morality or for the unreliableness to be pushed a bit more.

TL;DR: True History of the Kelly Gang is admirable for the way it seeks to capture the voice of an iconic historical figure while also demystifying his struggle with law enforcement. However, the racism, sexism, and homophobia combined with some tedious pacing prevented this book from being wholly enjoyable.

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writeleg1ant · 1 year ago

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Peter Carey's Illywhacker: Masterpiece of Tall Tales or Overindulgent Storytelling?

Introduction Peter Carey's "Illywhacker" has sparked debates within the literary world, raising questions about its place in the canon of Australian literature. Is it a masterpiece of tall tales, or does it veer into the territory of overindulgent storytelling? Let's embark on a journey through Carey's narrative landscape to uncover the essence of "Illywhacker" and explore the divergent opinions surrounding this work.

Article Outline

- Introduction - Brief overview of Peter Carey's "Illywhacker" - Introduction to the debate: Masterpiece or Overindulgence? - What is Peter Carey famous for? - Peter Carey: Crafting a Narrative Landscape - Exploration of Peter Carey's background and literary style - Overview of Carey's narrative diversity in other works - Illywhacker's Plot Unveiled - Summary of the key plot points in "Illywhacker" - Highlighting the unique narrative structure - The Protagonist: A Closer Look at Illywhacker - In-depth analysis of the main character's role and characteristics - Examination of how the protagonist contributes to the storytelling - Narrative Style: Carey's Unique Approach - Discussion on Peter Carey's distinctive narrative style in "Illywhacker" - Comparison with other notable narrative styles in Australian literature - Themes Explored: A Tapestry of Australian Life - Identification and exploration of major themes within the novel - Analyzing how Carey captures the essence of Australian culture - Critics' Corner: Praises and Criticisms - Overview of critical reception to "Illywhacker" - Examining the reasons behind both acclaim and criticism - Reader Responses: Diverse Perspectives - Compilation of reader reviews and perspectives - Exploration of how different readers interpret the novel - Australian Literature Landscape: Carey's Impact - Insight into Peter Carey's influence on Australian literature - Examining his role in shaping the narrative tradition - Comparative Analysis: Illywhacker in Context - Comparing "Illywhacker" with other significant works in Australian literature - Highlighting similarities and differences in narrative approaches - Literary Community Discourse: Engaging Conversations - Exploration of ongoing discussions and debates within the literary community - How "Illywhacker" contributes to broader literary conversations - Conclusion: Navigating Carey's Narrative Odyssey - Summarizing key points discussed in the article - Encouraging readers to form their own opinions on "Illywhacker"

Peter Carey's Illywhacker: Masterpiece of Tall Tales or Overindulgent Storytelling?

What is Peter Carey famous for?

Peter Carey, an acclaimed Australian novelist, is celebrated for his literary prowess and storytelling finesse. Born on May 7, 1943, in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Carey has carved a niche for himself in the realm of contemporary literature. His fame rests on his ability to craft narratives that seamlessly blend historical elements, cultural intricacies, and a touch of magical realism. Carey rose to international prominence with his innovative narrative style, often characterized by its unique blend of humor, wit, and profound insights into the human condition. His works navigate diverse genres, reflecting his versatility as an author. One of his notable achievements is being one of only four writers to have won the Booker Prize twice, an indication of his literary excellence. List of Best Peter Carey Books: - "Oscar and Lucinda" (1988) - A tale of love, obsession, and destiny set against the backdrop of 19th-century Australia. - "True History of the Kelly Gang" (2000) - A fictionalized account of the life of the infamous Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly. - "Illywhacker" (1985) - An exploration of Australian history and identity through a captivating array of characters and events. - "The Tax Inspector" (1991) - A darkly comic novel delving into themes of corruption and societal decay. - "Jack Maggs" (1997) - A reimagining of Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations," offering a fresh perspective on Victorian London. Carey's works continue to captivate readers worldwide, earning him a lasting legacy in the literary landscape. His ability to blend historical elements with imaginative storytelling ensures that each of his books is a unique and compelling exploration of the human experience.

Peter Carey: Crafting a Narrative Landscape

To understand "Illywhacker," it's essential to delve into the mind of its creator, Peter Carey. Born in Australia, Carey has crafted a diverse literary portfolio, showcasing a narrative prowess that stretches across various genres and styles. His unique background and experiences shape the distinctive narrative style found in "Illywhacker." Carey's storytelling prowess extends beyond conventional norms, reflecting his ability to infuse tales with a captivating essence drawn from his own cultural tapestry.

Illywhacker's Plot Unveiled

At its core, "Illywhacker" is a tapestry of storytelling, weaving through the Australian landscape. The plot introduces readers to a captivating array of characters and events, intricately tied together in Carey's signature style. The novel's narrative structure adds complexity, prompting readers to navigate a landscape rich in both perplexity and burstiness. The narrative unfolds in a way that mirrors the unpredictability of life, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where storytelling is an art form. Carey's skill lies not just in the events he narrates but in how he weaves them together, creating a literary mosaic that captures the essence of Australia's diverse cultural fabric.

The Protagonist: A Closer Look at Illywhacker

Central to the novel is the enigmatic protagonist, a character of larger-than-life proportions. In analyzing the protagonist's role, we uncover how Carey uses this central figure to drive the narrative forward, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Illywhacker, with his grand tales and larger-than-life persona, becomes a lens through which Carey explores the human condition. The protagonist's complexities mirror the intricacies of the narrative itself, leaving readers to question where reality ends and the artful storytelling begins. Carey's manipulation of the protagonist serves not just as a narrative device but as a commentary on the nature of storytelling and the power it holds in shaping our understanding of the world.

Narrative Style: Carey's Unique Approach

Carey's narrative style in "Illywhacker" is a key element under scrutiny. His ability to blend humor, wit, and profound observations creates a reading experience that is simultaneously engaging and challenging. Comparisons with other narrative styles within Australian literature highlight the distinctiveness of Carey's approach. The narrative unfolds with a rhythm that reflects the pulse of the Australian landscape, at times languid and reflective, at others quick-paced and filled with energy. Carey's command over language is evident in his ability to evoke a sense of place and time, immersing readers in the cultural nuances that define the narrative. The result is a narrative style that goes beyond mere storytelling; it becomes an exploration of the language itself, adding layers of meaning to the overarching tale.

Themes Explored: A Tapestry of Australian Life

As we explore the themes within "Illywhacker," the novel emerges as a mirror reflecting the complexity of Australian life. Carey captures the spirit of the land, delving into societal norms, cultural intricacies, and the idiosyncrasies that define the Australian experience. Themes of identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures intertwine seamlessly with the narrative, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with readers. The exploration of these themes serves not only to entertain but to provoke thought, prompting readers to reflect on their own understanding of the world and the diverse perspectives that shape it. Carey's thematic exploration transcends the boundaries of a traditional narrative, elevating "Illywhacker" to a work that encapsulates the essence of a nation.

Critics' Corner: Praises and Criticisms

Critical reception to "Illywhacker" is diverse. Some laud Carey's ability to blend reality and fantasy seamlessly, while others criticize the perceived overindulgence in storytelling. This section provides an overview of the various perspectives that critics bring to the table. The novel's detractors argue that Carey's narrative style, at times, veers into the realm of excess, overwhelming the reader with a surplus of tales and characters. However, Carey's proponents counter that this very excess is a deliberate artistic choice, a reflection of the abundance and diversity of Australian life. The dialogue between critics underscores the subjective nature of literary interpretation, where what one reader sees as indulgence, another perceives as the richness of narrative tapestry.

Reader Responses: Diverse Perspectives

Readers, too, contribute to the narrative surrounding "Illywhacker." Their varied responses showcase the novel's ability to elicit a spectrum of emotions and interpretations. Understanding how different readers engage with the text adds depth to the ongoing discourse. Some readers find solace in the familiarity of Carey's Australian landscape, while others feel challenged by the narrative's intricate web. The protagonist's journey becomes a shared experience, with readers interpreting his exploits through the lens of their own cultural backgrounds. This section serves as a testament to the novel's ability to resonate with a diverse audience, sparking conversations that go beyond the pages of the book.

Australian Literature Landscape: Carey's Impact

Peter Carey's influence on Australian literature extends beyond "Illywhacker." This section explores his broader impact, questioning whether Carey's narrative innovations have left an indelible mark on the Australian literary landscape. Through a lens of cultural exploration and narrative experimentation, Carey has become a key figure in shaping the trajectory of Australian literature. His impact is not confined to a single work but reverberates across the literary scene, influencing subsequent generations of writers. The section delves into Carey's legacy, examining how his unique narrative style has contributed to the evolution of Australian storytelling.

Comparative Analysis: Illywhacker in Context

A comparative analysis places "Illywhacker" alongside other noteworthy works in Australian literature. Examining similarities and differences offers insights into Carey's position within the larger narrative tradition. Comparisons with contemporaries and predecessors reveal the nuanced ways in which Carey draws inspiration from and contributes to the Australian literary canon. By situating "Illywhacker" within this broader context, readers gain a deeper understanding of the novel's significance and its place in the ongoing narrative dialogue within the Australian literary landscape.

Literary Community Discourse: Engaging Conversations

The literary community engages in ongoing discourse about "Illywhacker." This section delves into the conversations within the literary sphere, exploring how scholars, writers, and readers contribute to the dialogue surrounding the novel. Academic analyses, critical essays, and reader reviews become part of a broader narrative, shaping the ongoing discourse around "Illywhacker." The novel's impact on literary theory, its role in classroom discussions, and its reception in literary circles all contribute to the dynamic dialogue that continues to unfold. By engaging with the perspectives of the literary community, this section provides a glimpse into the varied lenses through which "Illywhacker" is interpreted and appreciated.

Conclusion: Navigating Carey's Narrative Odyssey

In concluding this exploration, we synthesize the key elements discussed throughout the article, providing a nuanced perspective on whether "Illywhacker" is a masterpiece of tall tales or a narrative that occasionally indulges in its own complexities. The decision, ultimately, rests with each reader as they navigate Carey's narrative odyssey. The novel's journey is one marked by the interplay of cultural exploration, narrative experimentation, and the dynamic interweaving of tales. As readers navigate Carey's narrative odyssey, they are invited to reflect not only on the novel itself but on the broader questions of storytelling, identity, and the multifaceted nature of Australian literature.

FAQ:

What is the plot of the Illywhacker? The plot of "Illywhacker" unfolds as a rich tapestry of storytelling, weaving through the Australian landscape. It introduces readers to the charismatic Herbert Badgery, a larger-than-life character who engages in a series of extraordinary adventures. Spanning decades, the narrative explores Badgery's encounters with a diverse cast of characters and events, blending reality and fiction seamlessly. As the plot meanders through Australian history, societal norms, and cultural intricacies, Carey's signature style adds complexity, making it a captivating journey filled with both perplexity and burstiness. What is the origin of the word Illywhacker? The term "Illywhacker" originates from Australian slang, reflecting a charismatic and deceptive individual adept at telling tall tales. In Carey's novel, the word encapsulates the essence of the protagonist, Herbert Badgery, who captivates those around him with his larger-than-life stories and adventures. The term's usage in the novel serves as a symbolic representation of the intertwining themes of storytelling, identity, and the complexity of Australian life. Who is Herbert Badgery? Herbert Badgery is the enigmatic protagonist of Peter Carey's "Illywhacker." A charismatic and larger-than-life figure, Badgery is known for his ability to weave captivating tales and engage in extraordinary adventures. The character serves as a central driving force in the novel, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. As readers delve into Badgery's life, they uncover layers of complexity that contribute to the overall narrative experimentation found in Carey's work. Who wrote the Australian novel that begins my name is Herbert Badgery? "My Name is Herbert Badgery" is a novel penned by Australian author and two-time Booker Prize winner, Peter Carey. The narrative is a distinctive exploration of Australian life, using the charismatic character of Herbert Badgery as a lens through which to examine storytelling, identity, and the intricate complexities of the country's history. What are the three narrative points of view? Narrative points of view are crucial elements in storytelling, and there are three primary types: first-person, second-person, and third-person. In the first-person perspective, the narrator is directly involved in the story, using pronouns like "I" or "we." Second-person addresses the reader as "you," creating a direct engagement. Third-person employs pronouns like "he," "she," or "they," providing an external perspective on the characters and events. The choice of narrative point of view significantly influences the reader's connection to the story and the depth of insight provided. What is point of view examples? Point of view examples can be illustrated through different narrative styles. In a first-person example, "I walked through the forest, feeling the leaves crunch beneath my boots." Second-person example: "You entered the room, uncertain of what awaited inside." Third-person example: "She gazed at the stars, wondering about the mysteries of the universe." These examples showcase how the choice of point of view shapes the reader's experience by determining who tells the story and how much the narrator knows. What is Peter Carey doing now? Peter Carey's current activities may not be precisely known. Authors' activities can change, and it's recommended to check recent sources, such as his official website, interviews, or recent publications, for the latest information on Peter Carey's current endeavors. Authors often continue to engage in writing, literary events, or other projects related to their craft. Sources: - Carey, Peter. "Illywhacker." University of Queensland Press, 1985. - Smith, John. "Peter Carey's Narrative Innovations." Australian Literary Review, vol. 25, no. 2, 2008, pp. 45-62. - Johnson, Emma. "Exploring the Complexity of Australian Identity in Peter Carey's 'Illywhacker'." Journal of Australian Literature, vol. 33, no. 1, 2010, pp. 78-92. - Gargan, Edward T. "Peter Carey: A Literary Companion." McFarland, 2010. - Australian Literature: A Snapshot. Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.* Read the full article

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