Australian Poetry

Introduction

This web quest will help you begin your journey into the wonders of poetry and the unique appreciation Australians have for their sometimes harsh land. Through famous poets like Banjo Paterson and Dorothea Mackeller, you too will hopefully discover an appreciation for the beauty of poetic language and the spirit of the Australian bush.

Task

“What makes Australian poetry unique?”

Using the resources provided, we will answer the above question and form an opinion on the features of poems and poets that are characteristically Australian.

You will:

  • Read and listen to a variety of classic Australian poems
  • Research key figures in Australian poetry
  • Identify basic elements regarding Australian geography
  • Explore themes within Aboriginal poetry
  • Work in groups to understand and present information

Process

Step 1

Time to get familiar with the rugged Australian terrain!

Australia is widely known for its variety of environments. From sunny beaches, snow-capped mountains, tropical jungles and searing deserts – we’ve got them all. Yet, it is this reason that Australians hold the country close to their hearts. Even on the hottest days we wouldn’t trade this land for any other!

Visit the following website and answer the questions about the Australian landscape.

https://aussiepoetry.wordpress.com/resources/geography/

Step 2

Research a famous Australian poet from the list below. Create a collection of information about what the poet wrote about and what they were inspired by. Once you have done this, complete the poet profile based on your selected poet. (see link below:)

https://aussiepoetry.wordpress.com/resources/poet-profile/

List of poets:

  • Banjo Paterson
  • Dorothea Mackellar
  • Henry Lawson
  • Christopher Brennan
  • Adam Lindsay Gordon
  • Judith Wright
  • Kenneth Slessor
  • Gwen Harwood
  • Les Murray
  • John Forbes
  • John Tranter
  • Oodgeroo Noonunccal

Step 3

Read and respond to a variety of poetry in different formats. Read the following two poems and complete the worksheets that yo with them.

Waltzing Matilda - A.B. Paterson

https://aussiepoetry.wordpress.com/resources/waltzing-matilda/

Old Man Platypus - A.B.Paterson

https://aussiepoetry.wordpress.com/resources/old-man-platypus/

 

Extension 

Go beyond the poem!

Try one these additional activities:

1. Choose your favourite Australian poet and compose a letter to them addressing their influences. If they are an historical figure you might like to ask them what their view is of contemporary Australian issues. Once finished, write a reply from the poet.

2. Map out the story of a poem of your choice. Turn this into a poster that includes a timeline of the various stages of the poem’s narrative.

3. Imagine you have been contracted to write a short entry for a new publication that deals with ways in which aspects of the Australian landscape have been represented by Australian poets. The entry should be 750-800 words and should focus on one or two aspects of landscape imagery in the poems you have studied.

 

Evaluation

  1. What do you think you achieved by completing this web quest?
  2. Which activity did you enjoy the most? Why?
  3. what should your teacher include when they revise this task?

 

Conclusion

Well Done!!!

Now that you have a greater depth of understanding about poetry and Australian poetry in particular, let’s return to our focus question:

  • What makes Australian poetry unique?

While there may be no definitive answer to this question, consider the essential features of an Australian poem. Join this with your discovery of the Australian outback and you can understand why so many people have an appreciation for the rough land in which we live.

Credits