Edward “Ned” Kelly, the head of the Kelly Gang, is a very diversely discussed person. Even nowadays, opinions differ here. Was he a cruel murderer or just a victim of society? Kelly is often compared to Robin Hood who presumably lived in the 13th century in England, Great Britain.
It seems as if every culture has its very own antithetically valuated hero. The Australian bushranger Ned Kelly stands in one line with characters like Jesse James (1847-1882, born in Missouri, USA) and Ernesto “Che” Guevera (1928-1967, born in Rosario, Argentina).
This paper will deal with Ned Kelly’s biography and today’s perception of him, especially regarding current fiction. In this context, I’ll have a look at Peter Carey’s book (published in 2000) and two of the many film versions about Kelly starring Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger in order to compare different perspectives of the bushranger.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. “Such is Life” - Biography of Ned Kelly
3. Peter Carey’s “The History of the Kelly Gang“
4. Tony Richardson’s “Ned Kelly”
5. Gregor Jordan’s “Ned Kelly”
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the life of the Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and analyzes how he is portrayed in historical records versus contemporary fiction, specifically through Peter Carey’s novel and two film adaptations.
- Historical biography and the life of Ned Kelly
- Analysis of Peter Carey's fictionalized autobiography
- Comparative review of film adaptations directed by Tony Richardson and Gregor Jordan
- The evolution of the "Ned Kelly" myth and Australian national identity
- Public perception of outlaws vs. folk heroes
Excerpt from the book
1. Introduction
Edward “Ned” Kelly, the head of the Kelly Gang, is a very diversely discussed person. Even nowadays, opinions differ here. Was he a cruel murderer or just a victim of society? Kelly is often compared to Robin Hood who presumably lived in the 13th century in England, Great Britain1. Interestingly, Robin Hood stood for the prototype of an evil criminal in medieval times.2 Whereas the name once was applied for felons, it is now exclusively associated with generosity and kind-heartedness, probably because of the various film versions about him.
It seems as if every culture has its very own antithetically valuated hero. The Australian bushranger Ned Kelly stands in one line with characters like Jesse James (1847-1882, born in Missouri, USA3) and Ernesto “Che” Guevera (1928-1967, born in Rosario, Argentina4).
“The bushrangers – outlaws and highwaymen – were […] known to share with the poor what they stole from the rich. [T]hey were a dying breed; hunted to extinction by a police force equipped with the technology of the new age, especially the telegraph and the railway”.5
This paper will deal with Ned Kelly’s biography and today’s perception of him, especially regarding current fiction. In this context, I’ll have a look at Peter Carey’s book (published in 2000) and two of the many film versions about Kelly starring Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger in order to compare different perspectives of the bushranger.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research intent to explore the multifaceted public perception of the bushranger Ned Kelly as both a criminal and a cultural hero.
2. “Such is Life” - Biography of Ned Kelly: Provides a historical overview of Kelly’s upbringing, his conflicts with the police, and the events leading to his final shootout and execution.
3. Peter Carey’s “The History of the Kelly Gang“: Analyzes the novel’s portrayal of Kelly through a fictional first-person narrative and examines how it humanizes the outlaw.
4. Tony Richardson’s “Ned Kelly”: Discusses the 1970 film version starring Mick Jagger, noting its rebellious, youth-culture-oriented interpretation of the historical figure.
5. Gregor Jordan’s “Ned Kelly”: Evaluates the 2003 film featuring Heath Ledger, focusing on its attempt to portray Kelly as a sympathetic victim of societal circumstances.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, confirming that while historical realities are often complex, modern media tends to cement Ned Kelly’s legacy as an enduring symbol of the Australian spirit.
Keywords
Ned Kelly, Bushranger, Kelly Gang, Australian History, Peter Carey, Tony Richardson, Gregor Jordan, Folk Hero, Outlaw, Identity, Jerilderie Letter, Glenrowan, Film Adaptation, Mythology, Rebellion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper explores the life of Ned Kelly and analyzes how his persona has been interpreted in historical context and modern literature and film.
Who was Ned Kelly?
Ned Kelly was a 19th-century Australian bushranger who became a controversial figure, often viewed either as a violent criminal or a champion of the poor against an oppressive system.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to compare how different media, specifically Peter Carey's novel and two films, represent Ned Kelly and contribute to the evolution of his status as an Australian folk hero.
Which films are analyzed in the work?
The analysis covers the 1970 film "Ned Kelly" directed by Tony Richardson and the 2003 film "Ned Kelly" directed by Gregor Jordan.
Does the author conclude that Ned Kelly was a hero or a villain?
The paper argues that there is little "grey area" in the public perception, as most accounts and fictional works tend to lean towards portraying him as a victim of circumstances and an Australian national hero.
How is the historical research conducted?
The study relies on biographical accounts, the historical Jerilderie letter, and contemporary cultural analyses to contrast historical facts with artistic interpretations.
What role does the "Jerilderie Letter" play in the novel by Peter Carey?
The letter serves as a linguistic and thematic base for Carey’s novel, allowing the protagonist to narrate his own story and justify his actions directly to the reader.
How does the 1970 film portrayal differ from the 2003 version?
The 1970 film is seen as a reflection of 1970s counter-culture and rebellion, while the 2003 version depicts Kelly as a more classically sympathetic figure driven by tragic circumstances.
What does the term "As game as Ned Kelly" mean?
It is a common Australian idiom derived from his life story, used to describe someone who is exceptionally brave.
- Quote paper
- Regina Schultze (Author), 2009, Ned Kelly in Fiction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129355
