Year 12 Literature Quiz n.1

Ned Kelly is known for being a famous

• Politician

• Bushranger

• Scientist

• Hipster

Fill in the blank: Larrikinism refers to unruly, boisterous, or mischievous ________.

• behavior

• attitude

• speech

• appearance

Answer explanation

Larrikinism describes a type of unruly and mischievous behavior, making 'behavior' the most fitting choice. The other options do not capture the essence of larrikinism as effectively.

Based on the close analysis so far, Drewe's novel presents the following views and values:

• History is not neutral—it is shaped by narrative, perspective, and myth-making

• Australian identity is deeply tied to the idea of resisting authority, with figures like Kelly embodying the heroic outlaw archetype.

• Socioeconomic Determinism

• Hyper- masculinity is deeply engrained in the Australian psyche

• The media as a disseminator of mythology through sensationalism and public spectacle

Answer explanation

Drewe's novel illustrates that history is subjective, shaped by narratives and myths. It also explores Australian identity through resistance to authority, socioeconomic factors, hyper-masculinity, and media's role in myth-making.

In Our Sunshine, the lion is a recurring metaphor for Kelly. The lion represents

• Spectacle and manipulation – Drawing links to circus imagery, where the lion is both admired and caged, reflecting how Kelly is both glorified and condemned by public perception.

• Power and defiance – Symbolising Kelly’s strength, leadership, and resistance against colonial authority and police oppression.

• Myth and legend – Reinforcing how Kelly is elevated beyond humanity, becoming a larger-than-life figure shaped by folklore and media sensationalism.

• Inevitability and fate – Suggesting that, like a predator or hunted beast, Kelly’s downfall was preordained, aligning with themes of determinism.

• Kelly’s love for nature and peaceful existence

Answer explanation

The lion symbolizes spectacle and manipulation, reflecting how Kelly is both admired and caged by public perception, as well as representing power, defiance, myth, and inevitability in his story.

In medias res

• is a literary term for a story that features multiple perspectives and jumps between different characters’ viewpoints.

• refers to a story that is told entirely in reverse, starting with the ending and working backward.

• a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning, often leaving the audience to piece together prior events through flashbacks or exposition.

• describes a narrative that strictly follows chronological order, beginning with the earliest event and progressing linearly.

Answer explanation

In medias res is a narrative technique where a story starts in the middle of the action, requiring the audience to piece together earlier events through flashbacks or exposition, making it distinct from linear storytelling.

In Our Sunshine, in medias res

• helps to maintain a strict chronological order, ensuring that Kelly’s story unfolds in a linear and straightforward way.

• immerses the reader in the chaos of the Glenrowan siege, immediately establishing a sense of inevitability and fatalism. By beginning in the middle of the action, Drewe reinforces Kelly’s doomed fate, blurring the boundaries between past and present as the novel oscillates between memory and immediate experience.

• ensures that the reader only sees Kelly’s perspective, avoiding shifts between first and third person that might complicate the narrative.

• allows the reader to experience Kelly’s story without needing prior knowledge of his life, as no background details or flashbacks are needed.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights how starting in medias res immerses the reader in the Glenrowan siege, creating a sense of inevitability and reinforcing Kelly's doomed fate, while blending memory and immediate experience.

What is the significance of the narrator's repetition of the words "as arranged" in the first section of the novel?

• The phrase "as arranged" is used to show Kelly’s control over his own fate, emphasising his ability to dictate the outcome of events on his own terms.

• The repetition of "as arranged" is Drewe’s way of highlighting Kelly’s improvisational nature, demonstrating how he constantly adapts to new situations with spontaneity.

• The repetition of "as arranged" in Our Sunshine highlights Kelly’s effort at showmanship and his belief in the power of spectacle. By repeatedly framing events as if they are carefully orchestrated, Kelly positions himself as a master of his own legend, controlling how he is perceived and ensuring that his actions contribute to his mythic status. This reinforces the novel’s exploration of performance, media influence, and self-mythologising.

• The use of "as arranged" serves as a direct reference to Kelly’s trial, foreshadowing the legal arrangements that would lead to his eventual execution.

What is the significance of the "green and gold sash" referred to in the second section of the novel?

• The green and gold sash serves as a symbol of pacifism, representing Kelly’s belief in peace and his reluctance to resort to violence. Wearing it beneath his armour signifies his hope for a non-violent resolution to the conflict at Glenrowan.

• The green and gold sash is a purely decorative piece of clothing, worn by Kelly without any real personal or symbolic significance. It is simply an accessory with no connection to his past or his perception of himself as a national figure.

• The green and gold sash symbolises Kelly’s loyalty to the British Empire, representing his respect for colonial rule and his desire to prove himself as a defender of imperial values. Although he opposed certain laws, the sash reflects his deeper allegiance to the Crown.

• The green and gold sash symbolises Kelly’s self-perceived authority as an authentic Australian warrior, reinforcing his belief in his own mythic status. Originally awarded to him as a child for an act of heroism, the sash represents his noble self-image. By wearing it beneath his armour at Glenrowan, Kelly positions himself as a legendary figure, embodying nationalistic and heroic ideals even in his final stand.

What is the significance of the section titles Flare and Flame?

• The titles signify the escalation of Kelly’s fate, moving from rising tension to inevitable destruction.

• "Flare" and "Flame" symbolise Kelly’s efforts to peacefully negotiate with authorities and avoid violence.

• "Flare" represents the initial spark of Kelly’s legend, while "Flame" symbolises his complete immersion into myth and his fiery downfall.

• The titles refer to Kelly’s admiration for fire and his use of it as a tool for survival.