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47 pages 1 hour read

Joan Lindsay

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

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Essay Topics

1.

The Hanging Rock mystery is undoubtedly tragic and horrific. In what ways can it also be considered a joyful release from societal rules? Consider the women’s shedding of clothing, as well as Marion throwing her notebook away, and Irma dancing. You could also consider Mrs. Appleyard’s suicide.

2.

The novel begins with an author’s note that the readers will have to decide whether the events are fictional, and then ends with a newspaper article discussing the events in a manner that makes them seem factual. There are also numerous police reports in the novel. How do these features influence your reading of the novel? How might the novel read differently without these features?

3.

Does the novel suggest that creating neat and strict civilized spaces in the Australian bush in 1900 is unrealistic? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

4.

How does the motif of lost time illustrate wild spaces’ resistance to the rules and laws of colonization? In what other ways do wild spaces resist civilization’s control in the novel?

5.

Mike has been raised in a life of privilege and luxury, and yet, in many ways, he envies Albert’s experience and knowledge. What does their friendship say about Australian egalitarianism? Does Hanging Rock, which subverts society’s laws, play a part in their friendship?

6.

Hanging Rock seems to lure characters toward temptation. Do you believe that Mike did pursue Miranda on Hanging Rock? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

7.

Discuss the symbolism of Mrs. Appleyard’s changing appearance, beginning with her description in Chapter 1, and concluding with the description of her head at the end of the book.

8.

Why do you believe that Mike suddenly ceases his relationship with Irma? Consider his decision in relation to the theme of Traumatic Stress and Existential Anxiety.

9.

As well as a tragedy, can Sara’s suicide be considered an act of revenge and sabotage? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

10.

How does Hanging Rock function as a symbol of colonial resistance? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

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