Comparative essay based on Indigenous community | Essays (high school) English

COMPARATIVE ESSAY - THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE + THE STOLEN CHILDREN

STORIES

Many aboriginals were faced with many hardships during the time of British colonialism, one

of them being their children being stripped away from them. At a young age, many

indigenous Australian children were taken from their families and put into missionaries,

however many of those children and their families took those harsh circumstances in

completely different ways whether it be in a negative aspect, a positive one or even through

fear and sacrifice for the ones you adore. Directed by Phillip Noyce in 2002 The Rabbit-Proof

Fence is a film that illustrates a story of perseverance between three girls after they are torn

from their loved ones. The Stolen Children Stories edited by Carmel Bird presents various

perspectives of many children and their contrasting views and opinions based on their

personal experiences. Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and the text The Stolen Children

Stories explore the complexities of their experiences during a time period where indigenous

Australian children were stripped from their homes and were constricted from their culture,

language and beliefs. However, regardless of the similarity of their situations many of them

had very different aspects which were much more contrasting than those around them.

Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories helped the audience and

characters realise that not everyone is given the chance to recognise and fight the harsh

realities of the government and the control which it had over the Indigenous community, it

also elaborated on the positives and negatives of having the support of family with you. The

characters in The Rabbit-Proof Fence, Molly, Daisy and Gracie were given the opportunity to

uncover and realise the wrongdoings and cruelty of the white government. Not only that but

they had the advantage of Molly to help guide them through decisions since she was much

older and wiser to comprehend the situations. When Gracie is confided to make a decision

to either be reunited with her Mum or to continue walking with Molly and Daisy, she chooses

the ladder. In the wide shot where Molly was warning Gracie to continue with them, she had

an authoritative tone demanding “come on Gracie '' this symbolised how confident Molly was

with what she was doing this then juxtaposed another wide shot which helps contrast the

expressions of Gracie’s hesitant body language to Molly’s confident one. They all had each

other, not only helped guide each other towards the smarter path but also kept each other

company. On the contrary, Paul’s story from The Stolen Children Stories text shows how not

only he but his mother was also misled by the government which caused the government to

take him from his mother when she was the most vulnerable. At this time he stated how he

was only “five and a half months” when he was taken and how he was separated for 18

years. Due to the fact that he was at such a young age when he was taken it didn't allow him

to properly understand the ways of the government and what they had been doing, he

believed many lies that were told to him like his “Mother is unable to provide adequate care

for her son” not only that but he didn't have any solid company like the characters in The

Rabbit-Proof Fence. Both the film and the text show a deep understanding of the

complexities of each individual and how difficult certain situations can become if you don't

have the maturity to understand and confide in decisions and not have anyone alongside

you. Therefore, The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories help the audience

consider how sometimes you aren’t given the same abilities and strengths as others which

can negatively impact your actions and understanding of circumstances much like the

differences between Molly and Paul. Certain individuals give up and submit to what the white

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COMPARATIVE ESSAY - THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE + THE STOLEN CHILDREN

STORIES

Many aboriginals were faced with many hardships during the time of British colonialism, one

of them being their children being stripped away from them. At a young age, many

indigenous Australian children were taken from their families and put into missionaries,

however many of those children and their families took those harsh circumstances in

completely different ways whether it be in a negative aspect, a positive one or even through

fear and sacrifice for the ones you adore. Directed by Phillip Noyce in 2002 The Rabbit-Proof

Fence is a film that illustrates a story of perseverance between three girls after they are torn

from their loved ones. The Stolen Children Stories edited by Carmel Bird presents various

perspectives of many children and their contrasting views and opinions based on their

personal experiences. Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and the text The Stolen Children

Stories explore the complexities of their experiences during a time period where indigenous

Australian children were stripped from their homes and were constricted from their culture,

language and beliefs. However, regardless of the similarity of their situations many of them

had very different aspects which were much more contrasting than those around them.

Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories helped the audience and

characters realise that not everyone is given the chance to recognise and fight the harsh

realities of the government and the control which it had over the Indigenous community, it

also elaborated on the positives and negatives of having the support of family with you. The

characters in The Rabbit-Proof Fence, Molly, Daisy and Gracie were given the opportunity to

uncover and realise the wrongdoings and cruelty of the white government. Not only that but

they had the advantage of Molly to help guide them through decisions since she was much

older and wiser to comprehend the situations. When Gracie is confided to make a decision

to either be reunited with her Mum or to continue walking with Molly and Daisy, she chooses

the ladder. In the wide shot where Molly was warning Gracie to continue with them, she had

an authoritative tone demanding “come on Gracie '' this symbolised how confident Molly was

with what she was doing this then juxtaposed another wide shot which helps contrast the

expressions of Gracie’s hesitant body language to Molly’s confident one. They all had each

other, not only helped guide each other towards the smarter path but also kept each other

company. On the contrary, Paul’s story from The Stolen Children Stories text shows how not

only he but his mother was also misled by the government which caused the government to

take him from his mother when she was the most vulnerable. At this time he stated how he

was only “five and a half months” when he was taken and how he was separated for 18

years. Due to the fact that he was at such a young age when he was taken it didn't allow him

to properly understand the ways of the government and what they had been doing, he

believed many lies that were told to him like his “Mother is unable to provide adequate care

for her son” not only that but he didn't have any solid company like the characters in The

Rabbit-Proof Fence. Both the film and the text show a deep understanding of the

complexities of each individual and how difficult certain situations can become if you don't

have the maturity to understand and confide in decisions and not have anyone alongside

you. Therefore, The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories help the audience

consider how sometimes you aren’t given the same abilities and strengths as others which

can negatively impact your actions and understanding of circumstances much like the

differences between Molly and Paul. Certain individuals give up and submit to what the white

government throws at them and don't bother to resent what they order similarly, to those who

don't really mind and turn it into a positive situation, having many different opinions to similar

experiences. In the film The Rabbit-Proof Fence there are a few characters who adjust and

become okay with living without their families. This can be directed towards Mavis who

seemed like she had adapted really well with the missionary, she stated that “you’ll get used

to it” which shows how she has probably given up on revolting and resisting or never really

bothered to try at all. A medium close up shot of Mavis’ neutral expression juxtaposed with

Molly’s more tense and confused expression while doing work can help infer that she is

much more used to this than the others. Not only from her behaviour but the way she

portrays her character, her actions and from the way she looks we can conclude that Mavis

is most likely the oldest and most mature out of all of the children at the missionary which

hints at the fact that she’s probably given into following the orders of the ‘leaders’ at the

missionary since it’s been many years. Another example of adaptation to the orders of the

colonialists was when Gracie wasn’t ready to flee the missionary and wanted to stay there;

she had given in. Her facial expressions symbolised both fear and defeat. Similarly, from The

Stolen Children Stories text, Anne and her family weren’t resisting being forcibly separated

much like Gracie. However, unlike Gracie, Anne and her mother were much rather relieved

that Anne was finally receiving an education and an easier life in which she and her family

members gullibly believed. Anne’s mother reassured Anne that it will be a great opportunity

for her life. Anne was however slightly hesitant but gave in and was somewhat optimistic for

a better life, but she is just as much disappointed in leaving, Anne shows this when she

quotes “but mum, don’t you know, I love you and I don't want to leave you and the others”

contrary to when she states how she “felt grand standing there beside mum...ready to go to

Sydney” This helps elaborate on the way how some people have very contradicting opinions

to others, in both good and bad ways. Both texts show the vast opinions of others and how

the way they think can be very unlike and similar to the ones around them. Through both

texts, we can see how a lot of the characters were okay with being away from their families

regardless of whether they were forcibly dragged away from them like Gracie or willingly

taken much like Anne.

The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories explores the many complexities of

the Stolen Generation in which aboriginals were forced to endure sacrifices and traumas of

losing something you love. Not only that but this also forced individuals to disconnect from

their cultural identity to survive. During the time of colonisation, many things were lost due to

oppression including native languages and beliefs. In The Rabbit-Proof Fence, Moodoo, an

aboriginal man was serving the white government. The reason behind this is that sacrificing

his people and his culture ensures that he can stay with his daughter who is also at the

missionary. A close-up shot of Moodoo’s face is shown which is juxtaposed to a medium

close up where his daughter is glancing at him with a worried expression, in this scene Mr

Neville asks Moodoo if he had wanted to leave, to which Moodoo responds with a nod.

Although, after realising his daughter cannot come with him, he rethinks his choices. This yet

again shows the theme of separation, from both family and one’s culture and demonstrates

how much power and control the white community have over the Indigenous. Which brings

Moodoo to sacrifice his freedom to stay connected with his daughter. Similarly, in the text

The Stolen Children Stories Fiona and her mother had also lost many things, unlike Moodo

who had only lost his freedom to stay with his daughter, Fiona experienced a different loss. A

Use of textual

and film

evidence to

support

comparative

responses.

Insufficie

nt

Evidence

Attempts to include examples from either text. Includes three relevant examples or quotes from either text. Includes four relevant examples or quotes from either text that supports the overall discussion. Includes six relevant examples or quotes from either text that supports the overall discussion.

An

understandin

g of how the

texts

represent

historical,

social or

cultural

concerns.

Insufficie

nt

Evidence

At least one reference to the historical, social or cultural concerns evident within both texts. Shows some understanding of how the social or cultural concerns of the texts are suggested through a discussion in at least two paragraphs. Demonstrates an understanding of the historical, social or cultural concerns of the texts through a relevant discussion in each paragraph. Demonstrates an understanding of the historical, social or cultural concerns of the texts through a thoughtful and relevant discussion in each paragraph.

An analysis of

the choices

made by

authors to

convey

particular

ideas,

concerns and

perspectives.

Insufficie

nt

Evidence

At least one brief reference to either structural or language features of the text and/or film. At least one detailed reference to the structural and/or language features of either the text or film. Discusses the structural and language features of the text and film in detail multiple times throughout the essay. Discusses the structural and language features of the text and film in detail multiple times throughout the essay in order to support the interpretations made.

An ability to

express ideas

coherently

and

cohesively,

articulated as

a multimodal

presentation.

Insufficie

nt

Evidence

Writing contains recurring errors in spelling and/or grammar. Sentence structure is simplistic and unvaried. Vocabulary is unvaried and repetitive. Conventions of style have been considered to enhance the clarity of expression, including embedding of quotes into sentences, with some examples of compound phrases. Writing contains occasional errors in spelling and/or grammar. Sentence structure is simplistic and unvaried. Vocabulary is unvaried. Language use is accurate and clear with few errors in syntax. Writing makes use of simple, compound and complex sentences for different purposes. Quotes have been embedded into sentences throughout the essay. Vocabulary choices contribute to specificity and abstract concepts. Language use is controlled to create clear and fluent expression with little to no errors in syntax. Writing makes use of simple, compound and complex sentences for different purposes. Vocabulary choices contribute to specificity and abstract concepts in order to enhance the discussion of the topic and contention. Grade UG E E+ D D+ C C+ B B+ A A+ Total 0 - 11 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 27

Comparative essay based on Indigenous community, Essays (high school) of English

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Download Comparative essay based on Indigenous community and more Essays (high school) English in PDF only on Docsity!

COMPARATIVE ESSAY - THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE + THE STOLEN CHILDREN

STORIES

Many aboriginals were faced with many hardships during the time of British colonialism, one

of them being their children being stripped away from them. At a young age, many

indigenous Australian children were taken from their families and put into missionaries,

however many of those children and their families took those harsh circumstances in

completely different ways whether it be in a negative aspect, a positive one or even through

fear and sacrifice for the ones you adore. Directed by Phillip Noyce in 2002 The Rabbit-Proof

Fence is a film that illustrates a story of perseverance between three girls after they are torn

from their loved ones. The Stolen Children Stories edited by Carmel Bird presents various

perspectives of many children and their contrasting views and opinions based on their

personal experiences. Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and the text The Stolen Children

Stories explore the complexities of their experiences during a time period where indigenous

Australian children were stripped from their homes and were constricted from their culture,

language and beliefs. However, regardless of the similarity of their situations many of them

had very different aspects which were much more contrasting than those around them.

Both The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories helped the audience and

characters realise that not everyone is given the chance to recognise and fight the harsh

realities of the government and the control which it had over the Indigenous community, it

also elaborated on the positives and negatives of having the support of family with you. The

characters in The Rabbit-Proof Fence, Molly, Daisy and Gracie were given the opportunity to

uncover and realise the wrongdoings and cruelty of the white government. Not only that but

they had the advantage of Molly to help guide them through decisions since she was much

older and wiser to comprehend the situations. When Gracie is confided to make a decision

to either be reunited with her Mum or to continue walking with Molly and Daisy, she chooses

the ladder. In the wide shot where Molly was warning Gracie to continue with them, she had

an authoritative tone demanding “come on Gracie '' this symbolised how confident Molly was

with what she was doing this then juxtaposed another wide shot which helps contrast the

expressions of Gracie’s hesitant body language to Molly’s confident one. They all had each

other, not only helped guide each other towards the smarter path but also kept each other

company. On the contrary, Paul’s story from The Stolen Children Stories text shows how not

only he but his mother was also misled by the government which caused the government to

take him from his mother when she was the most vulnerable. At this time he stated how he

was only “five and a half months” when he was taken and how he was separated for 18

years. Due to the fact that he was at such a young age when he was taken it didn't allow him

to properly understand the ways of the government and what they had been doing, he

believed many lies that were told to him like his “Mother is unable to provide adequate care

for her son” not only that but he didn't have any solid company like the characters in The

Rabbit-Proof Fence. Both the film and the text show a deep understanding of the

complexities of each individual and how difficult certain situations can become if you don't

have the maturity to understand and confide in decisions and not have anyone alongside

you. Therefore, The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories help the audience

consider how sometimes you aren’t given the same abilities and strengths as others which

can negatively impact your actions and understanding of circumstances much like the

differences between Molly and Paul. Certain individuals give up and submit to what the white

government throws at them and don't bother to resent what they order similarly, to those who

don't really mind and turn it into a positive situation, having many different opinions to similar

experiences. In the film The Rabbit-Proof Fence there are a few characters who adjust and

become okay with living without their families. This can be directed towards Mavis who

seemed like she had adapted really well with the missionary, she stated that “you’ll get used

to it” which shows how she has probably given up on revolting and resisting or never really

bothered to try at all. A medium close up shot of Mavis’ neutral expression juxtaposed with

Molly’s more tense and confused expression while doing work can help infer that she is

much more used to this than the others. Not only from her behaviour but the way she

portrays her character, her actions and from the way she looks we can conclude that Mavis

is most likely the oldest and most mature out of all of the children at the missionary which

hints at the fact that she’s probably given into following the orders of the ‘leaders’ at the

missionary since it’s been many years. Another example of adaptation to the orders of the

colonialists was when Gracie wasn’t ready to flee the missionary and wanted to stay there;

she had given in. Her facial expressions symbolised both fear and defeat. Similarly, from The

Stolen Children Stories text, Anne and her family weren’t resisting being forcibly separated

much like Gracie. However, unlike Gracie, Anne and her mother were much rather relieved

that Anne was finally receiving an education and an easier life in which she and her family

members gullibly believed. Anne’s mother reassured Anne that it will be a great opportunity

for her life. Anne was however slightly hesitant but gave in and was somewhat optimistic for

a better life, but she is just as much disappointed in leaving, Anne shows this when she

quotes “but mum, don’t you know, I love you and I don't want to leave you and the others”

contrary to when she states how she “felt grand standing there beside mum...ready to go to

Sydney” This helps elaborate on the way how some people have very contradicting opinions

to others, in both good and bad ways. Both texts show the vast opinions of others and how

the way they think can be very unlike and similar to the ones around them. Through both

texts, we can see how a lot of the characters were okay with being away from their families

regardless of whether they were forcibly dragged away from them like Gracie or willingly

taken much like Anne.

The Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Stolen Children Stories explores the many complexities of

the Stolen Generation in which aboriginals were forced to endure sacrifices and traumas of