Module 1 - Texts & Human Experiences

Main Terms

The Hero

Manifestation: A brave, capable, kind and virtuous person.

Symbolism: Represents ideals and personal growth.

Our reaction: We admire them and identify with them or follow them.

The Villain (Shadow)

Manifestation: An enemy who threatens others for selfish or harmful reasons.

Symbolism: Represents our hidden fears, negative emotions and traits.

Our reaction: We reject, fear or punish them.

The Elder (mother/father)

Manifestation: A wise, experienced person who guides and supports others.

Symbolism: Represents care, protection and awareness of mortality.

Our reaction: We seek their guidance, approval and comfort.

The Child (innocent)

Manifestation: An innocent, inexperienced and vulnerable person.

Symbolism: Represents potential for growth and the need for protection.

Our reaction: We protect and nurture them.

The Lover (Eros/anima/animus)

Manifestation: A person we find attractive or deeply compatible with.

Symbolism: Represents ideals of attraction, gender and reproduction.

Our reaction: We feel romantic or physical attraction towards them.

The Trickster (chaos)

Manifestation: A mischievous, humorous or disruptive person who breaks rules.

Symbolism: Represents chaos, destruction and the clearing of space for new growth.

Our reaction: We find them entertaining or liberating, even when their actions cause harm.

Laconic

Short descriptions (Straight to the point)

Bush Realism

Portraying Australian bush life realistically, including its hardships.

Mythologisation

Turning ordinary people or experiences into cultural myths or national symbols.

Universal Archetypes

Recurring character types found across cultures, such as the hero, villain and trickster.

Allegory

A story in which characters and events represent broader ideas or values.

Romanticism

Presenting life or nature in an idealised, beautiful or emotionally comforting way.

Pastoral ideal

The belief that nature and rural life provide peace, comfort and spiritual renewal.

Existential heroism

Facing a harsh, indifferent world through inner strength and strong morals.

Moral fidelity

Remaining loyal to one's moral values, even during hardship.

Agency

The ability to make independent choices and control one's actions.

Conformity

Following society's expectations, rules or accepted behaviours.

Pragmatic adaptation

Adjusting practically to survive or cope with difficult circumstances.

Individual experience

Experiences unique to a particular person.

Collective experience

Experiences shared by a group or community.

Paradox

An apparent contradiction that reveals a deeper truth.

Resonance

When a text or idea feels meaningful, familiar or true to an audience.

Construction

How a text is created through its form, structure and genre.

Representation

How a text portrays people, experiences, ideas or values.

Characterisation

How a writer creates and develops characters.

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas, characters or images together to highlight differences.

Vocalisation

How a character's voice, speech or perspective is presented in a text.