Oodgeroo Noonuccal's Impact On Aboriginal Poetry

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Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. Throughout all of Australian history, Aboriginals have been a mistreated and misunderstood group of people. Whether you look at the initial takeover by the Europeans, the destruction of sacred Aboriginal property for modern infrastructure, or the more recent stolen generation, a common pattern can be formed. This pattern is that, throughout history the Aboriginal people have been through great hardships which have caused them to feel completely alienated. This has naturally had a huge impact on Aboriginal poetry. Specifically, the theme of belonging is extremely prevalent throughout their poetry and can usually be linked with events that have happened to the Aboriginal people. Oodgeroo Noonuccal is a prime …show more content…

This is evident when Noonuccal brings attention to the sign outside their old bora ring reading “’Rubbish may be tipped here’” This is very vivid symbolism as it is linking the aboriginals traditions and ways of life with a place where rubbish is disposed. This clearly demonstrates the large cultural difference between the two peoples value of the land. This in turn easily shows how the Aboriginals feel alienated as there is such a large difference between, and lack of respect towards the Aboriginal culture. Furthermore, the mention of lightning and then thunder in the 16th through to 18th line demonstrates a very strong use of symbolism. Due to thunder always following lightning and having connotations with impending doom, when the Aborigines identify themselves with the lighting, it again shows their strong connection with the earth and causes the thunder to become a symbol. It shows that they feel as if there is always doom and despair following them and threatening their connection to the earth. Both of these examples clearly show through the use of symbolism that the aboriginals have become alienated by the European