The topic of my seminar work is “Aboriginality in Sally Morgan’sMy Place“.In order to write about Aboriginality in this specific case it is necessary and very important to first define this term.What do we understand by ´Aboriginality`? Where does the word ´Aboriginal` come from and who/what is Aboriginal? What problem is there about identity? What was the Aboriginal past like? Only when we have a clear concept of these terms and have a general idea about the context we can move on to the actual topic of this work, namely to analyse Sally Morgan’s (auto)biography and find out which of the aspects occur in her book and of what importance they are.
Therefore the main part of this work is subdivided into two parts: Firstly the definition of the central terms and a short historical background and secondly the analysis of the primary literature with regard to the mentioned points. Finally I will sum up the results of my research in a short conclusion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Problems of definition
- "Aboriginality"
- Identity
- The 'Stolen Generation'
- Aboriginality in Sally Morgan's My Place
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to analyze the representation of Aboriginality in Sally Morgan's autobiography, My Place. Before undertaking this analysis, the paper first establishes a clear understanding of the complexities surrounding the term "Aboriginality," including its historical evolution and the challenges in defining Aboriginal identity. The analysis then examines how these complexities manifest within Morgan's work.
- Defining "Aboriginality": Exploring the historical and linguistic evolution of the term and its inherent ambiguities.
- Aboriginal Identity: Investigating the multifaceted nature of Aboriginal identity and the challenges of establishing a unified definition.
- The "Stolen Generation": Examining the impact of the forced removal of Aboriginal children on identity and cultural transmission.
- Sally Morgan's My Place: Analyzing the portrayal of Aboriginality and its related issues in Morgan's autobiography.
- The complexities of mixed-race identities within the Aboriginal community.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central theme of the paper: analyzing the concept of Aboriginality as depicted in Sally Morgan's My Place. It highlights the necessity of defining "Aboriginality" and understanding its historical context before undertaking a literary analysis. The chapter sets the stage for a two-part analysis: first, defining key terms and providing historical background; and second, analyzing Morgan's autobiography in light of these definitions. The introduction underscores the importance of a clear understanding of Aboriginal identity and historical context to properly interpret the complexities presented in My Place.
Problems of definition: This chapter delves into the difficulties inherent in defining "Aboriginality." It points out the heterogeneity of Aboriginal peoples, highlighting the impossibility of defining them as a single, homogenous nation. The chapter discusses the problematic nature of the term "Aboriginal," tracing its etymology and explaining its limitations in representing the diverse experiences and identities of Australia's Indigenous population. Alternative terms like "native" and "indigenous" are also critiqued, emphasizing the lack of a universally accepted and neutral term. The chapter concludes by touching upon the additional challenge of defining individuals with mixed Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, highlighting the limitations of existing terminology in encompassing the vast spectrum of Aboriginal identities and experiences. The lack of a precise, universally accepted term underscores the complex and nuanced nature of Aboriginal identity.
Keywords
Aboriginality, Aboriginal identity, Stolen Generation, Sally Morgan, My Place, autobiography, mixed-race identity, Indigenous Australians, postcolonial literature, cultural identity.
Sally Morgan's My Place: A Seminar Paper Preview - FAQ
What is the main focus of this seminar paper?
The seminar paper analyzes the representation of Aboriginality in Sally Morgan's autobiography, My Place. It explores the complexities of defining "Aboriginality" and how these complexities are portrayed in Morgan's work.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining "Aboriginality," the multifaceted nature of Aboriginal identity, the impact of the Stolen Generation, and the portrayal of Aboriginality and related issues in My Place. The complexities of mixed-race identities within the Aboriginal community are also examined.
What challenges are addressed in defining "Aboriginality"?
The paper addresses the difficulties in defining "Aboriginality" due to the heterogeneity of Aboriginal peoples and the lack of a universally accepted and neutral term. It discusses the problematic nature of terms like "Aboriginal," "native," and "Indigenous," highlighting their limitations in representing the diverse experiences and identities of Australia's Indigenous population. The challenges of defining mixed-race identities are also explored.
What is the significance of the "Stolen Generation" in this paper?
The "Stolen Generation," the forced removal of Aboriginal children, is examined for its significant impact on identity and cultural transmission. This historical event is contextualized within the broader discussion of Aboriginal identity and its representation in My Place.
How does the paper analyze Sally Morgan's My Place?
The paper analyzes how Sally Morgan portrays Aboriginality and its related issues in her autobiography, My Place. The analysis considers the complexities of Aboriginal identity and historical context to interpret the themes presented in the book.
What is the structure of the seminar paper?
The paper is structured into chapters including an introduction, a section on the problems of defining "Aboriginality," a section on the Stolen Generation, a chapter dedicated to the analysis of Aboriginality in My Place, and a conclusion. The preview also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the keywords associated with this seminar paper?
Keywords include Aboriginality, Aboriginal identity, Stolen Generation, Sally Morgan, My Place, autobiography, mixed-race identity, Indigenous Australians, postcolonial literature, and cultural identity.
- Citar trabajo
- Eleni Theodoridou (Autor), 2004, Aboriginality in Sally Morgan's MY PLACE, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/46736
