Perspective in The Rabbits

Victorian Curriculum Outcome: Recognise and explain differing viewpoints about the world, cultures, individual people and concerns represented in texts (VCELT406)

PART ONE: PERSPECTIVE OF LAND: INDIGENOUS VS. NON-INDIGENOUS 

“We cultivated our land, but in a way different from the white man. We endeavour to live with the land; they seemed to live off it."

One of the concerns explored in the text, The Rabbits, is the perception and use of land.

Land means different things to different groups of people. One of the most noticeable differences in perspective regarding land is the difference between the indigenous Australian view of land and the non-indigenous perspective.

Here is a brief summary of some of the key differences.

Indigenous perspective	Non-Indigenous perspective
Live with the land	Live off the land
Are owned by the land	Own the land
Are caretakers of the land	Are users of the land

Table 1: Indigenous vs. Non-Indigenous perspective of land

PART TWO: INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE OF LAND

To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, land is not only a significant part of their lives, it is part of every aspect of their lives. It provides sustenance to indigenous Australians spiritually, physically, socially and culturally. Its significance to these people is so great that the notion of ‘landscape as a second skin’ is central to every Aboriginal art form. Furthermore, this connection of to the land is central to their sense of identity and belonging. 

Watch this video We Are Caretakers and consider his statement: 

“We are not owners, we are caretakers.”

Now, look at the following spread from The Rabbits. This spread takes place during the initial arrival of the rabbits and the land is largely unaffected by their presence.

The vibrant use of colour by the illustrator creates feelings of warmth and security, and the significant amount of the image dedicated to the land itself represents the importance and value of land in this image. How might this represent the indigenous perspective of land? How does it make the reader feel?    

Here are some elements of the image to think about.

Think about how these elements influence the

reader’s reading of the text.

YOUR TASK: Complete the following sentences in the comments section below:

1. I particularly like __________ and __________ in this illustration because it makes me think about ____________________.
2. I think that this illustration wants us to feel  ____________________.
3. This illustration shows the indigenous perspective towards the land in a __________way.

PART THREE: NON-INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE OF LAND

Consider the following spreads from The Rabbits, focusing on the value of land to the rabbits, the non-native inhabitants.

 One of the main differences between the two spreads is the use of colour. In comparison with the earlier spread and its use of bright colours, this spread is very dark and dull. It does not promote a sense of happiness, warmth, or security. In contrast, it makes the reader feel on edge and distrustful. What evaluation does the text make about the rabbits’ perspective and use for the land?

YOUR TASK: Complete the following sentences in the comments section below:

1. I particularly like __________ and __________ in this illustration because it makes me think about ____________________.
2. I think that this illustration wants us to feel  ____________________.
3. This illustration shows the non-indigenous perspective towards the land in a __________way.