The first section of this paper examines the formation and portrayal of female/lesbian identity within Australian Literature with particular reference to the Bush Mythology tradition of the 1800's. Through reviewing a number of works classed as lesbian fiction it is argued that a more positive portrayal of lesbian love within Australian fiction is needed. To facilitate this shift in attitude traditional literary motifs, such as the journey and the bush, (typically the preserve of male characters) can be appropriated by a female hero. In the process of re-imagining the bushman's journey as one undertaken by a female/lesbian hero, the bush emerges as a force that can facilitate the hero on her journey toward a sense of wholeness. In keeping with the tradition of Feminist, Lesbian and Heroic literature Stringybark Summer charts the increasing self awareness of a young Australian lesbian as she journeys into the bush. The third person narrative follows the protagonist as she embarks on a journey into the unknown in order to discover the deeper meaning about her self, the world and those who share it with her. / Master of Arts (Hons) (Communication and Media)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/189469 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Barnet, Sophie, University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, Education and Social Sciences |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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