Australia, a country that values both rich cultural diversity and a unique set of values that shape our national identity; providing citizens to have a sense of unity and freedom in our community. All of these Australian Values are clearly represented in the Novella Red Dog by Louis de Bernières (2001). A novella depicting a Kelpie (Red Dog) and his everlasting journeys throughout the Pilbara region, WA and the permanent impacts and bonds he had on everyone’s life. Red Dog exhibits the several Australian values that are prestigious in Australia and authentically display the Values Mateship, Community and Freedom.
Red dog examines one of Australia’s biggest values; mateship, and its importance it has on the Australian society, creating a more
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Freedom is a state of being free and is often associated with self-determination. In the novel "Red Dog", the character of Red Dog is portrayed as a symbol of the Australian value of freedom. Red Dog is a stray dog who is not owned by anyone and is free to roam the vast Australian landscape as he pleases. This is effectively displayed in the chapter the last journey. “The thing that set Red Dog apart from any other dog in the world was his absolute freedom. He wasn't owned by anyone. He wasn't tied to a chain or confined to a kennel. He was free to go wherever he wanted, to do whatever he pleased”. Red Dog's freedom reflects the Australian spirit of individualism, independence, and self-determination, which is highly valued in Australian culture. Australians often pride themselves on their sense of freedom and willingness to take risks and pursue new opportunities. Red Dog embodies these qualities, as he is not bound by any particular place, person, or way of life, and is free to pursue his own path in the world as it says on his collar “I’ve been everywhere mate”. Red Dog's portrayal as a free-spirited and independent dog embodies the Australian value of freedom and highlights the important role that freedom plays in shaping Australian culture and