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The Influence Of The Australian Outback On Australian Literature And Film

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The Australian culture and national identity are shaped by rich and diverse elements.
Australian literature and film have played a powerful role in capturing and reflecting unique aspects of Australian life. This essay explores the cultural element of the Australian outback, which is deeply ingrained in Australia’s cultural fabric and identity, and how its meaning is conveyed across the iconic Australian films Wake In Fright and Picnic At Hanging Rock. The films Wake In Fright (1971), directed by Ted Kotcheff, and Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975), directed by Peter Weir, are iconic Australian cinema works that have left an enduring mark on global audiences. The films convey profound insights into the essence of the Australian outback, an element deeply ingrained in Australia’s cultural identity. The …show more content…

The Australian outback acts as a significant cultural symbol that embodies the essence of Australian life. The outback takes centre stage in both Wake In Fright and Picnic At Hanging Rock, standing as a powerful backdrop against which both narratives unfold. Through their portrayal of the outback, Wake In Fright and Picnic At Hanging Rock communicate themes of isolation, danger, and the unknown. The vastness and unforgiving nature of the outback represent the physical and emotional isolation experienced by Australians. It reflects the immense challenges faced by those in remote areas, emphasising the sheer resilience and resourcefulness required to survive. Its vast stretches of untamed wilderness, arid landscapes, and rugged terrains, represent both the contrasting allure of the Australian landscape and its challenges. In Wake In Fright, the outback is depicted as a desolate and unforgiving place that engulfs the protagonist, John Grant. The setting of barren landscapes, scorching heat, and desolation amplify feelings of loneliness and detachment, effectively

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