How to write an A+ False Claims of Colonial Theives Essay

False Claims of Colonial Thieves written by Charmaine Papertalk Green and John Kinsella is a collaborative poetry collection that encompasses the past, present, future cross-cultural discussion between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia. Kinsella and Papertalk Green’s prose keeps us on the edge of their verse as they take us through what it really means to be Australian in today's day and age, and how much of the past we should really consider in shaping contemporary reality. 

Most people think that this book can be analysed purely like other novels in VCE english texts, however this is plainly wrong. It is a unique text: a collection of poems, two authors collaborating on a mission to provide us knowledge about Indigenous history- a hot topic for discussion in today’s society. This is uncommon through the other texts, so we must have added consideration of this when writing a complete essay. 

That is why this blog is going to be focusing on 5 essential elements you should be including in your next False Claims of Colonial Thieves essay, to show your teachers you deserve that A+!

1. A Dynamic Text

This poetry collection is a collaboration. Not one author- two. It's as simple as that, yet so many people fail to recognise this. 

As a result of this, you need to make sure your analysis considers both JK’s and CPG’s views equally. A lot of people decide to overly focus on CPG and neglect JK, and the other way around. Remember, their views have been presented in a back and forth discussion where each poet lets the other speak, as they listen to and observe each other's perspectives, not letting one voice override the other- a respectful conversation to put it concisely. In the same way, we (VCE English students) from an analytical standpoint must analyse this sustained conversation in the most balanced way possible, considering the demands and wishes of both the authors equally. 

📌Here is an example of what this entails:

“ As Papertalk Green learns the truth that the ‘Big Church’ was ‘once a traditional campsite’, she unveils the ‘social engineering of our people’ that propelled this act of displacement, further accentuating…… In response, Kinsella reads that the church is now considered a ‘national treasure’, and he refuses this claim, asserting that the….

This example addresses the conversation that is occurring between both poets as they agree and refute certain things. Hence, a tip to make sure the conversational aspect of the poem is addressed between both the authors is to use verbs like JK/CPG responds to, affirms, resonates, denies, shuts down, laments, and so on. 

2. Context

This poetry collection is not fiction. It’s a book surrounding real life events from the past, present, that will ultimately have an impact on our future. Hence, we must recognise the root of its discussion, or in other words, its context. 

Terra Nullius, the Stolen Generations, missionaries, assimilation policies, dispossession of Indigenous land, 1976 referendum, national apology in 2008, are all examples of contextual points of discussion in the collection. Essentially, both poets examine the context of Australia’s past and really try to unveil the lies hidden within the falsehoods perpetuated in a hegemonic narrative and bring the truth to light. Due to this, this context shapes their views and it's extremely crucial to address this.

Terra Nullius (1835)

A common problem students run into is attempting to answer the prompt question with only quotes (evidence) and explanation, without connecting it to the bigger ideas of the text. Remember, you need to show the teacher or examiner who is marking your text that you have an exceptional understanding of the views and values that make up your text and that is demonstrated through this understanding of Australian history.

If you struggle with this, research more about Australia’s colonial history a bit more - for instance look into policies like Assimilation and try to see how JK and CPG talk about this in their discussion. Do they agree with most stuff, disagree, or even hold no opinion?

📌Let’s take a look at context in action:

 Papertalk Green unveils the ‘social engineering of [her] people’ that propelled this act of displacement, further accentuating the wishes of a domineering society to permanently remove the unique Indigenous identity and culture they perceived during colonisation, and consequently promote their compliance to the restrictive demands of a government through forced assimilation.

 The big ideas here are…

• Assimilation

• Indigenous identity/culture

• Deprivation of rights

3. A Story of an Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Author

The fact that JK and CPG are from two completely different backgrounds with a quite combative history, is what makes this collaboration truly so special. One poet has experienced one side of life whereas the other has been placed among the other side of history. Because of this, it is important to consider that they both have limited scope of each other.

On JK’s behalf, he is non-indigenous so it is only sensible to understand that he does not know everything about Indigenous history and culture and the way it has progressed. And even if he does, it is impossible he comprehends it to the extent that CPG does, as her experience is first-hand whereas JK is merely an observer. As a result, he can only sympathise with the grief of the past, the history tormenting Indigenous Australians in contemporary society, but never truly experience the landscape of emotions felt by those who are personally connected to each and every event that they bring about in the text. 

For instance at times all JK can do is appreciate the richness of Indigenous culture decorated by CPG, and comment on it briefly. He agrees with CPG, but he is not the primary storyteller in this context. Take note of this. 

Yamaji and Anglo-Celtic Author

So as writers analysing this text, we must recognise that at times in the discussion CPG holds the power in conveying the true extent of a storyline. Her voice is unique, and she takes upon the power of the storyteller. In the same way, JK shares instances like this where he has the power in conveying the Colonial narrative from a settler standpoint (an onlooker observing mines being built and the ignorance of it all… ‘Grandmothers.’). The beauty of this is that the author’s combine both their unique perspectives to fill each other in on what they felt during times of the past and present, and it can be used to frame together a story for the reader to understand themselves. It allows the reader to weigh up both perspectives, and examine the faults or shortcomings we as a society face. It causes them to think…. 

Who’s at fault for these shortcomings? Do I have an accountability for this division? Is it possible for both these stories to unite in solidarity, or will they always be presented in an eerie distance, just like the proposal of conversation in today’s society about Indigenous land and culture?

4. Different Audiences to Consider 

The discussion between both the authors seeks to target a variety of audiences across Australia. It would be a good idea to consider the effect of their poetry on these audiences.

Examples of different audiences

• Indigenous Australians

• Non-indigenous Australians

• Ignorant Australians

• Proponents of the mainstream Australian identity 

• Hypocritical viewers

• Indigenous Australians affected by intergenerational trauma

• Hopeful members of Indigenous community

• Open-minded members of society

The key here is to be as specific as possible (...and creative). 

📌For instance:

 CPG attacks her own people for taking a part in the ‘cultural cringe’ against Indigenous practises, OR Kinsella tries challenging the views of stubborn non-Indigenous Australians who refuse to open themselves to conversation about a double-sided history. 

This will show the examiner that you have really tried to think deeply about the intentions (authorial intent) of both poets. 

5. Poetic Elements

You have got to discuss poetic elements, as this book is a poem. A lot of people just barge in random poetic features they have learnt from class aimlessly throughout their discussion.  But what those A+ essays do well is explore how those elements actually augment (support) the author’s arguments in the collection. In short, use poetic features to justify each one of your points; it has to have a purpose in your analysis of the text. 

📌For instance in Histories by JK:

“The under-footing structural severance of the verses seeks to portray the calamity imbued by the distinction of multiple perspectives as relived by the jarring experiences of Kinsella's past, however, in segments, they demonstrate a form of continuity to offer the readers the opportunity of seeing the divide as merely a construct; shaping the importance of making sense of history through one's own lens in order in order to foster an authentic understanding.”

You see how I brought up a structural element of JK’s poetry, and used that to justify what he might be trying to tell the audience, the importance of making sense of information on your own terms before believing it? This is a great way to separate your essays from good to exceptional.

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Other than that just make sure you spread out your poem quotes from the beginning, middle, end of the collection and you should have all the tools necessary to get that A+ on your next False Claims of Colonial thieves essay. All you need to do now is put it all together, and get ready to surprise your teachers with all that new knowledge you have!

Check out our comprehensive Quotes & Essay Analysis guides for this text