‘Apathetically’ Short & Sweet (#6)

“Discuss the significance of the last line of “The Orange Tree””

The last line in John Shaw Neilson’s “The Orange Tree” holds weight, through its presentation of pure and raw emotion and something difficult to take literally.

However, through various re-reads I interpreted the combined rhetorical question and simile as a way to demonstrate the girls attempts to be unburdened, much like the tree. It seems to explore complex ideals of being overwhelmed within you’re life and the appeal to be apathetic in you’re own day to day existence.

Although throughout Neilson’s poem the tree is a constant symbol and sometimes important perpetrator of dialogue or actions, it doesn’t have any actual dialogue, it just remains a silent yet stoic figure throughout all of the key scenes within the poem.

This idea, is alluded to by the final “I.. Am Listening like the Orange Tree.”, this presents the notion that the Orange Tree has been watching and listening throughout the entirety of the story, and the emotive ‘longing’ placed on the final demands made by the girl present the idea that she wishes to be still and non responsive in her own life.

Requesting to not need to reply to the boy, not grow old, not confront her life, instead be a non-active participant – much like the tree. Almost as if she wishes to reach apathy, in her life.

This ending of idealised apathy is contrasted through the heavy emotion and colour throughout the piece, presenting an idealised landscape and atmosphere. Then ‘interrupted’ through rhetorical questions on the validity of beauty and the reality of beauty – alluding to it being based entirely on interpretation. This exploration finalised through the final line, as the girl begs for a silence similar to an Orange Tree.

From Voss (#5)

Chose any one of the Patrick White texts mentioned above and say how you think it illustrates what White was saying in his essay “The Prodigal Son”.

Although the Prodigal Son acts as White’s personal reclamation as to why he consistently returns to writing, From Voss takes on a different format mediating similar ideals.

Within From Voss, White mediates the concept of ‘life’s mission’ through a memorable historical figure and an aspect of Australian History that maintains an air of controversy based on its mystery. Due to this, White provides this historical adventure a conclusion to the mystery – claiming the captain was betrayed by another main character. Completing the trifecta of White’s biblical allusions he painted throughout this piece, completing the goal of exploring ‘compulsions’ in the form of ‘missions’.

This interpretation may view as alternative – however, my assumption of White’s layered meaning and psychoanalysis is based entirely on the similarities drawn between, himself, Jesus and Leichhardt.

The explorer Leichhardt is introduced as a man driven by wanderlust, fame and glory not at the forefront of his adventures but exploration. This is shown throughout the text as White consistently refers to Leichhardt’s perceived ‘Life Mission’ being to explore the unknown aspects of Australia.

(White maintains his characteristics however of underestimating the Australian Landscape, however this time using Leichhardt to do it for him)

This ‘life mission’ theme presented through the characteristics of the explorer are emphasised through the similarities White presents to Leichhardt and Jesus. Weaving biblical allusions consistently, letting the audience know that Leichhardt’s best friend is the Judas of this adventure meet mystery. The importance of this reference is evident however, when analysing the value White is placing on ‘Life’s Mission’ and the notion of compulsion/passion over glory/fame. Jesus and his mission specifically poses as an important symbol in From Voss, reminding the audience of the purity of pure passion and mission driven work. However, a sombre result for both men.

This leads to the key link between the point in Prodigal Son (one of them) and From Voss, as within Prodigal Son, White alludes to himself being on a life mission similar to the way he presents Leichhardt. Writing being a necessity and a passion, something he must do and is constantly drawn to doing – not a source in his eyes of fame and fortune.

Unfortunately though, in White fashion as each character has a sombre ending, White’s presentation of his life’s purpose is also portrayed very pessimistically and as though it is more of a plague for him then a mission. Once again, proving White’s intrinsic linking between his own personal journey and the way he presents his characters and their psyche specifically in From Voss following the ‘personal foundation’ Prodigal Son provided.