Investigating five case studies in Australian history

case study 5
activity six
Reflection
1 Go back to the third column in Activity 1
(page 104), and fill in any information you
now have about Ned Kelly. Do you now
consider Ned Kelly to be a hero or a
villain? Explain why.
2 There have been many bushrangers in
Australian history, but few are still
remembered today. Why do you think Kelly
is seen as such an important part (or an
‘icon’) of Australian history and identity?
Why do you think he has been and
continues to be remembered? Discuss the
possible reasons.
Ned Kelly — villain or hero exhibition
3 Create a museum display, poster or
PowerPoint presentation about the life of
Ned Kelly. Drawing from your knowledge of
him, and imagining that you could include
anything you like, list:
• some evidence that might show him as
a ‘hero’ (for example, you might show his
armour, and say that it shows him as a
hero ready to face extreme odds)
• some evidence that might show him as
a ‘villain’ (for example, you might include
a length of railway line, and say that this
showed he was ready to slaughter the
police who were coming to arrest him).
Choose at least six of these objects and
pieces of evidence that will show what you
have now come to believe about Ned Kelly.
Describe or show the items, and write an
explanatory caption for each.
Further research
4 You have touched on many aspects of the
Kelly story in this case study, but there are
many aspects of it that need far more
detail. Working in groups, research these
aspects of his life. Then create a class
Kelly biography for presentation to the
library. Aspects to cover might include:
• early life
• working with Harry Power
• his family
• ‘going straight’
• the Fitzpatrick incident
• the killings at Stringybark Creek
• the Euroa bank robbery
• the Jerilderie bank robbery
• the killing of Aaron Sherritt
• siege at Glenrowan
• trial and execution
• the Kelly image.
Alternatively, research some of the ballads
that have been written about the Kellys.
Create your own ballad about the gang.
(Robert Lewis) (Robert Lewis) (Australasian Sketcher, 20 November 1880)
120 Australian History Mysteries Investigating five case studies in Australian history