Humanities & Social Sciences, Vol 11, No 1 (2018)

Early Australian Literature as a Resource of National Moral Values

Elena B. Grishaeva

Abstract


The article takes issue with a particular chronological period of development of the Australian literature – the turn of the 19-20 centuries. Beginning with formal description of its civilian stream, the paper features a combination of major values and core imprints under a steady attention of iconic authors towards everyday life of the pioneers of the nation, their hard work and desire to explore vast lands, and as a result, to build a strong state. Under the scope of a closer attention is the concept “mate-mateship” related to the up-country labourers, shearers and shed-hands, which allows for applying a panchronic approach. On the synchronic side, the focus is on the bright and contributive efforts of a plethora of authors, while on the diachronic side the emphasis is on the moral features and traditional values, which remain of utmost importance for Australians.