Ned Kelly is a controversial figure in Australian history, and opinions on him are divided. Some see him as a hero, while others view him as a villain or a victim. In order to better understand these differing perspectives, it is necessary to examine Kelly's life and the context in which he lived. Kelly was born in Victoria, Australia, in 1855, the son of Irish immigrants. He grew up in poverty and experienced discrimination and mistreatment at the hands of the authorities. According to historian John Molony, "Kelly grew up in a time when the law was seen to be arbitrary and when people like himself, who were poor, Irish and Catholic, were treated harshly by the authorities" (Molony, 2001, p. 1). Kelly's criminal career began in his teenage years, and he soon became known as a horse thief and …show more content…
The siege ended when Kelly emerged from his hiding place wearing homemade armor and engaged in a shootout with the police. Kelly was eventually captured and sentenced to death by hanging. To some, Kelly was a hero who stood up to the corrupt authorities and fought for the rights of the poor and oppressed. According to writer and filmmaker Ian Jones, "Kelly was a man who stood up against the tyranny of the British Empire, and he did so with courage and conviction" (Jones, 1995, p. 15). Kelly's supporters point to his actions as evidence that he was trying to right the wrongs of society and protect his community. However, others see Kelly as a villain who caused harm and destruction wherever he went. According to historian Geoffrey Serle, "Kelly was a criminal who broke the law and put others at risk. He was a man who thought he was above the law, and his actions reflect this" (Serle, 1980, p. 63). They argue that Kelly was a criminal who deserved to be punished for his actions, regardless of the circumstances that led him to