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We Are Going By Oodgeroo Noonuccal Analysis

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How is the concept of adversity explored in 'We are going' by Oodgerooo Noonuccal? “We Are Going” is a poem published by Oodgeroo Noonuccal in 1964. The poem gives an Indigenous Australian perspective on colonisation in Australia. Noonuccal comments on the adversity the Indigenous Australians face, and creates a voice that expresses the pain of dispossession through the effective use of imagery and her ability to manipulate tone and mood. She employs clear, succinct language and structure in order to effectively communicate her message. Noonuccal reflects upon physical land losses and furthermore cultural losses that the local Indigenous Australians face through the effective use of imagery. The poem creates the strong feeling of the atmosphere and sentiment of the Indigenous Australians. It also displays their rights, culture and belongings being taken away. “We are the old sacred ceremonies, the laws of the elders. We are the wonder tales of the …show more content…

Rather than being viewed with rhyme and rhythm, it is to be seen and appreciated as a whole singular piece of poetry. Oodgeroo Noonuccal simply begins a new line every time a meaningful and important statement is made. The language of this poem paints a piercing picture of the adversities the aborigines faced. The repetition of personal language linked to the history of the traditional land owners forces the audience to reflect upon the damage and loss of the culture due to the Anglo Saxons which caused the Indigenous Australians to face great amounts of adversity. In conclusion “We Are Going” gives an Indigenous Australian perspective on colonisation in Australia. Noonuccal effectively expresses this perspective and adversity through the effective use of imagery, her ability to manipulate tone and mood. Finally, her clear easy to understand language is key in her conveyance of the struggle the Indigenous Australians had to go

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