Property Of The Clan By Nick Enright Analysis

843 Words2 Pages

Mate-ship is a concept that can be drawn back to colonial times, It is particularly used to symbolise the bond between men and often used frequently in times of adversity and hardship. Mate-ship is reflected throughout Nick Enright’s ‘Property Of The Clan’, Peter Weir’s ‘Galipoli’ and the image chosen by me’ shown through the characteristics of courage and empathy which shape our individuals lives as Australians today. Many characters experience different aspects of mate-ship for the duration of property of the clan. Mate-ship takes all forms and is affected by the circumstances of many different situations. The film ‘Galipoli’ directed by Peter Weir displays mate-ship in many different styles. The market scene in the film articulates the meaning …show more content…

Raising of their canes by all the men signify their solidarity, similar to the four musketeers. The notion of mate-ship is shown throughout the ‘pack mentality’ of the men displaying a sense of togetherness and ensuring that ‘no man is left behind’. The raising of canes by all the men signify their solidarity, similar to the four musketeers. Taking their mates word for it, and backing each other up. A precedent used by the director is the exhibiting of antiauthoritarianism displayed by the Australians. When urged to salute by the English officers one man out of the group raises his hand to salute, Frank takes his and puts it down signifying that they shouldn’t have to adhere to their commands and should treat them as their equal. In another instance the Australians are shown …show more content…

Inside the group of mate-ship held by the boys at black-rock the truth about the death of Tracey is withheld information and was quoted to not be spoken about. “I don’t wanna hear names, just zip it alright”. People outside of the group, e.g. Police Officers, general public urge the boys, particularly Jared, to tell the truth. But to no avail, with his friendship with Ricko and the boys in Jeopardy he continues to lie about the issue to all those around. This poses the sense of consensus that all the boys in the group unanimously agree to ‘back each other up’. In ‘Property Of The Clan’ personification is used immensely to provide personal meaning to the boys in the group. In particular, the word ‘Mate’ is used excessively as a sense of belonging. This is notably used by Ricko. Often ‘Mate’ is highlighted as a tool of blackmail to Jared. "They're your mates. Forget about it”. His use of the ‘Mate’ reminds him that he belongs to the clan and must heed to there calls despite constant outside pressure from family and authority. Throughout the duration of the play the pressure grows exceedingly too strong for Jared to handle and even though he is hesitant to want to lose his mates he feels as though as he should tell the truth, and does so. "I'm not a dobber, but I had to tell someone”. Jared shows great courage in breaking out of this negative sense of mate-ship and coming

Open Document