Australia and New Zealand, united geographically by their location in
the South Pacific and linguistically by their English-speaking
inhabitants, share the strong bond of hope for cultural diversity and
social equality--one often challenged by history, starting with the
appropriation of land from their Indigenous peoples. This volume
explores significant themes and topics in Australian and New Zealand
literature. In their introduction, the editors address both the
commonalities and differences between the two nations' literatures by
considering literary and historical contexts and by making nuanced
connections between the global and the local. Contributors share their
experiences teaching literature on the iconic landscape and ecological
fragility; stories and perspectives of convicts, migrants, and refugees;
and Maori and Aboriginal texts, which add much to the transnational
turn.This volume presents a wide array of writers--such as Patrick
White, Janet Frame, Katherine Mansfield, Frank Sargeson, Witi Ihimaera,
Christina Stead, Allen Curnow, David Malouf, Les Murray, Nam Le, Miles
Franklin, Kim Scott, and Sally Morgan--and offers pedagogical tools for
teachers to consider issues that include colonial and racial violence,
performance traditions, and the role of language and translation.
Concluding with a list of resources, this volume serves to support new
and experienced instructors alike.
