Forms and Functions of Fictionalizing Australian History in Richard Flanagan's novel “Death of a River Guide”

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2016 , 19 Pages , Grade: 2,0

Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works

In this term paper, the plot of “Death of a River Guide” will be analysed, preceded by a brief summary of the (colonial) history of Tasmania, where the novel is set.

The analysis of “Death of a River Guide” will be done with respect to its links with Tasmanian history. Reading between the lines of Aljaz's visions namely reveals not only insights into his and his family's past, but also into Tasmania's history, which was marked by a quite difficult encounter between Aboriginals and settlers, especially the many convicts that were sent onto the island. This fictionalization of the country's past is depicted by Flanagan from various viewpoints. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Tasmania's colonial past – the history of a British genocide

3. Tasmania's heritage in “Death of a River Guide”

4. Discussion and conclusion

5. Works Cited

• College: University of Cologne (Englisches Seinar)
• Course: Contemporary Australian Narratives in English
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Felix Unger (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 19
• Catalog Number: V349139
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668366732
• ISBN (Book): 9783668366749
• Language: English
• Tags: Death of a River Guide, colonial history, Tasmania, Richard Flanagan