Short stories from the Australian frontier
In this unit, we will read short stories by two Australian writers from the Federation era, Banjo Patterson and Barbara Baynton. Patterson is most well known for his poems and songs, such as 'Waltzing Matilda' and 'The Man from Snowy River'; however, he also wrote short, essayistic stories that illustrate the character of life on the colonial frontier. Baynton authored the classic collection Bush Studies (1902), and her stories, often concerned with women colonists’ experiences, have a Gothic sensibility that students will find compelling. This unit offers students the opportunity to learn about Australia's colonial history through mysterious and colourful stories by beloved Australian authors.