My Life in the Desert by Jukuna Mona Chuguna How does the author or speaker of the selected text use literary techniques to position the reader and provide insight into the lived experience of Aboriginal people? In ‘My Life in the Desert’, Jukuna Mona Chuguna forms a literary mystery that weaves layers of complex meanings in such consistent, observant language that the readers are compelled to uncover and decipher Jukunas intentions. Through observant language, allegory, personification, and juxtaposition, Jukuna has cleverly revealed a story that delves into her simple life in the desert, all while inviting the reader to celebrate traditional Aboriginal culture and land on Aboriginal terms. Add more to the introduction. The title ‘My Life …show more content…
Lizards thrive in desert-like environments and exhibit similarities to Jukuna’s community. Additionally, the word ‘small’ describes Jukuna’s people as inferior to Europeans. The visual imagery of the lizard's blood dripping on Jukunas hand coupled with the description that ‘katriya’ were the colour of blood underscores the violence and erasure inflicted upon Aboriginal culture by European colonization. Additionally, blood serves as a metaphor for the intergenerational trauma faced by Jukuna due to the loss of her people’s cultural heritage, or rather the ‘small lizard[s].’ Likewise, the use of ‘this wooden shovel’ contrasts with the consistent Aboriginal language that Jukuna employs throughout. This illustrates a connection to the uprooting of European colonizers. A wooden shovel serves as a tool for digging granular materials, much like in the desert. When this wooden shovel is employed to excavate the desert soil, which is personified by Aboriginal peoples ‘jarriny’ (heritage and spirit), it becomes a literal erasure of traditional Aboriginal culture by the European colonizers. Furthermore, the following dramatic irony enhances the significance of the juxtaposition. Jukuna relays her curiosity about “katriya” to highlight that Aboriginal peoples were open to acknowledging Europeans but were soon met with “kartiya” whose skin colour resembles “blood from the lizard”. The curiosity surrounding ‘katryia’ positions readers to appreciate the innate grace and kindness of Aboriginal people. This, however, invites readers to a meditational moment after the celebrations met with the eradication of traditional Aboriginal culture and land following European