Representation of Ned Kelly in Texts

This essay explores the varying representations of the Ned Kelly gang in differing texts, investigating how the context and motive for composition has been reflected in the varying representations. Representation of Ned Kelly in Texts Sister Kate, Ned Kelly and the documentary Outlawed: The real Ned Kelly vary in their representations of the truth surrounding the events at Stringybark Creek, the Jerilderie robbery and Glenrowan. Ned Kelly and Sister Kate position the responder to sympathize …

…- his rise up against persecution and larrikin disrespect for authority symbolizes Australian society. As such contemporary texts are selectively disregarding the people he killed as victims of a war against persecution. Australian society is looking for a person to represent our identity - that of a loyal, Aussie battler. Ned Kelly can fit this description, the therefore any popular twentieth century text will glorify the Kelly gang, because that is what their audience wants.