National Spirit in 'The Magic Pudding' single work   criticism  
Issue Details: First known date: 1994... 1994 National Spirit in 'The Magic Pudding'
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Kim Waters argues that, The Magic Pudding 'is a classic of Australian literature because it is infused with a national spirit that celebrates the Australian way of life and outlook' and that Norman Lindsay 'freed his fellow children writers from their European ancestry by creating a work that was credible in its own right and clearly Australian (9). This includes the bush values and image of the Australian bushman which came to define the national self-image in World War I and a narrative which maintains and perpetuates the masculinist tradition which permeates constructions of Australian national and individual identity (4-7). For Waters, the novel and its characters represent a 'genuine typification of the Australian self-image' distinguished by 'bravery, independence, enterprise and initiative' and the characteristics seen as 'essential to Australian maleness - comradeship, nationalism and humour' (5).

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Last amended 8 Nov 2007 12:09:12
3-10 National Spirit in 'The Magic Pudding'small AustLit logo Papers : Explorations into Children's Literature
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