English Notes
Using Types of Language in Analysis/Cause & Effect Writing
(Author’s) use of (type of language) does effect).
Example: Hudson’s use of colloquial language creates a relaxed tone.
Jargon: e.g. cuz = friend or acquaintance, green = colloquial language for cannabis, often differs
based on local dialect, e.g. uds in Sydney, Ganja in Jamaica. Stat = ASAP.
Word Definition
Shanty A small, roughly built house, usually made of wood.
Squatter A person who settles on land without right or title or payment of rent.
Gaunt Extremely thin and bony; haggard.
Urchin A mischievous boy; rascal.
Earthen (floor) A floor made of dirt.
Blinded An expletive of the time.
Skeezed Jacky means ‘squeezed’ by the other children in the bed.
Blanky An expletive of the time.
Extricate To free.
Partition An interior wall.
Remnant Remaining quantity of sheep.
Provisions Supplies of food and other necessities.
Fashion-plates Illustrations showing the latest fashion in clothes.
Buggy A light two-wheeled open carriage.
An abbreviation of ‘Aborigine’ – only used in reference to female
Gin
Aborigines.
Bullock A castrated bull.
Pleuro-
A disease affecting the lungs of cattle.
pneumonia
Besieged Surrounded.
An informal expression for delirium tremens – a withdrawal syndrome in
In the horrors people who have developed a dependence on alcohol, characterized by
tremors, hallucinations, and visible instability.
A homeless man who arrives at sunset so that he cannot be asked to do
Sundowner
odd jobs in exchange for a place to stay.
A vagrant (wanderer) who carries his personal belongings with him in a
Swagman
sack.
Perambulator A pram or stroller.
Monotony Wearisome uniformity or lack of variety.
Sense of the
The ability to find humor in the seemingly absurd.
ridiculous
Henry Lawson Timelines
Historical Timeline
1867: Henry Lawson is born in a tent on the goldfields of Grenfell, western NSW, during
the Australian gold rush.
1873: The family settles in Eurunderee (A.K.A. Pipeclay), where Henry Lawson spends
his early years. This place becomes a significant setting in his future poems.
1880: Henry Lawson starts working with his father, gaining friendships with working men
and developing a taste for alcohol.
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1883: Henry's parents' marriage ends, and Louisa Lawson moves to Sydney with Henry
and his siblings. Henry commutes to work at Hudson Bros Ltd rail works in Clyde as a
carriage painter.
1892: Henry Lawson publishes "The Drover's Wife," a short story that reflects the
challenges faced by women living in rural Australia, possibly inspired by his mother's
experiences.
Social Timeline
1873: Despite limited formal schooling, Louisa Lawson fights for the establishment of a
school in Eurunderee, highlighting the importance of education in the community.
1880: Henry Lawson starts working with his father, gaining friendships with working men
and developing a taste for alcohol.
1883: Louisa Lawson's separation from her husband and relocation to Sydney signifies a
shift in family dynamics, with her becoming the primary provider and inspiring Henry to
pursue writing.
1922: Henry Lawson passes away, leaving behind a significant body of work that
captures the essence of rural and working-class life in Australia.
Module A
Course Student Interpretation Text
Description
Paragraph Language can shape Language has the power to both reflect
individual and collective and shape individual and collective
identity. How responses to identity. In this module, students consider
texts can shape their self- how their responses to written, spoken,
perceptions. audio and visual texts can shape their
self-perception.
Verbs Study one text in detail and Students study one prescribed text in
analyse meaning for detail, as well as a range of textual
individual and community material to explore, analyse and assess
identity, as well as cultural the ways in which meaning about
perspectives, is shaped in individual and community identity, as well
and through texts. as cultural perspectives, is shaped in and
through texts.
Henry Lawson - ‘Shooting the Moon’
Word Definition
Shooting the
To depart by night with one’s goods to escape paying rent.
moon
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Nose-bags Paper bags filled with food.
Nail-rod Dark tobacco that has been pressed into short rods or sticks.
A yarn An exciting or interesting story.
A bundle of personal belongings usually wrapped in a blanket and covered in calico and hung
Swag
from the shoulder.
Portmanteau A large travelling bag made of leather.
Stoush To brawl or fight with another person.
A slang expression meaning that the landlord kept the men in his employment in return for
The boss kept us
providing them with food and lodgings.
Tucker A slang expression meaning food.
A drop of stuff A slang expression meaning a bottle of alcohol.
A few bob A slang expression meaning to have some money.
To go on the track A slang expression meaning to walk about the countryside as a swagman.
Henry Lawson - Unionism & Collective Identity
In the relationship between Jack and Tom, and Jack and the narrator, Lawson
Claim challenges the perception of swagmen as lonely, solitary figures.
1. "We lay in camp in the fringe of the mulga, and watched the big red, smoky,
rising moon out on the edge of the misty plain, and smoked and thought together
Evidence sociably." 2. "My mate, Jack Mitchell, of something — anything reminded him of
something, in fact." 3. "His name was Tom — Tom — something, I forget the
other name, but it doesn’t matter."
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The story shows that Jack, Tom, and the narrator enjoy each other's company.
They do things together like watching the moon and talking. Jack often
remembers things, and they talk casually. This suggests they're friends, not
Reasoning lonely. Tom being part of the group also shows they're not alone. This
challenges the idea that swagmen are always by themselves. Overall, Lawson
presents Jack and Tom as friends who aren't isolated, which goes against the
idea of swagmen being solitary figures.
Henry Lawson - A close look at the influence of language on identity &
culture
1. The image of the rising moon in the opening paragraphs of the story creates a nostalgic
mood by evoking a sense of tranquillity and reflection. The description of the "big red,
smoky, rising moon" against the misty plain suggests a peaceful evening in the
Australian outback. This setting provides a backdrop for Jack's reminiscence, allowing
him to share a story from his past in a relaxed and contemplative atmosphere.
2. a. Pipe smoking serves as a ritualistic activity that reinforces the bond between Jack and
the narrator as mates. The act of smoking together creates a sense of camaraderie and
intimacy, as they engage in conversation while enjoying their pipes. It signifies a shared
moment of relaxation and companionship, emphasizing their friendship and mutual
understanding.
b. Pipe smoking also connects Jack to the memory of his mate, Tom, as it triggers his
recollection of past experiences. The act of lighting up his pipe prompts Jack to
reminisce about the time he spent with Tom at a pub, illustrating how sensory cues can
evoke powerful memories. This connection to his past reinforces the theme of shared
experiences and the enduring impact of friendships formed on the road.
3. Jack's remark about Tom's surname highlights the transient nature of the swagman's life
and the emphasis on personal connections over formalities. In the context of their
itinerant lifestyle, where individuals frequently come and go, surnames become less
significant compared to the bonds forged through shared experiences. Jack's casual
dismissal of Tom's surname reflects the fluidity of relationships in the transient world of
swagmen, where camaraderie and shared hardships hold greater importance than
formalities or personal identifiers.
4. Throughout the story, Lawson employs language devices such as colloquialism,
dialogue, and descriptive imagery to convey the significance of shared experiences in
strengthening the culture of mateship. The use of colloquial language and vernacular
dialogue reflects the authentic voice of the characters and emphasizes the informal,
down-to-earth nature of their interactions. Descriptive imagery, such as the moonlit night
and the misty plain, enhances the sense of atmosphere and nostalgia, setting the stage
for Jack's narrative. Additionally, the use of anecdotes and storytelling within the
dialogue underscores the importance of shared memories in fostering bonds of
friendship and solidarity among swagmen. Overall, Lawson's language choices
effectively communicate the theme of mateship and the enduring value of camaraderie
in the harsh and transient world of the Australian outback.
“Boycotting the Dawn”
Who: Australian Journalist, poet, and feminism activist
What:
When: 1887 bought radical newspaper; 1888 establish a monthly published women’s
journal
Where: Australia
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How: Rights
Editorial
What: Protest, active, refusing to employ women
Who: NSW Typographical Society
When: She realised income from subs wasn’t enough & society was pushing her out
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