The Chook in the Australian Unconscious | AustLit: Discover Australian Stories

The Chook in the Australian Unconscious single work essay

Author:agent Judith Brett

Issue Details: First known date: 1986... 1986 The Chook in the Australian Unconscious

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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Brett posits the view that for most Australians the chook 'symbolises the precariousness of our social order ... For the chook symbolises the forces, both inner and outer, which we fear we have not conquered, and it does so by being a uniquely Australian comic figure.'

Notes

Epigraph: The dark haired girl said in the next/ Life she would choose to be a chook... - David Campbell, 'Words with a Black Orpington'.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Alternative title: A Chook Loose in the Top Paddock

Appears in:

y Meanjin vol. 45 no. 2 Winter 1986 Z616132 1986 periodical issue 1986
(
1986
)
pg. 246-249
Appears in:

y Reflected Light : La Trobe Essays Peter Beilharz (editor), Robert Manne (editor), Melbourne : Black Inc. , 2006 Z1285388 2006 anthology essay Abstract 'This book collects reflections, evocations, commentary, criticism and humour by leading writers with a connection to La Trobe [University].' (Publisher's blurb) Melbourne : Black Inc. , 2006
(
2006
)
pg. 327-332
Appears in:

y The Best Australian Essays 2006 Drusilla Modjeska (editor), Melbourne : Black Inc. , 2006 Z1325839 2006 anthology essay Melbourne : Black Inc. , 2006
(
2006
)
pg. 17-22
Appears in:

y The Australian Financial Review 18 August 2006 Z1341375 2006 newspaper issue 2006
(
2006
)
pg. 3
Note: With title: A Chook Loose in the Top Paddock
Appears in:

y Meanjin Anthology Sally Heath (editor), Carlton : Melbourne University Press , 2012 14208447 2012 anthology poetry short story Abstract
'Meanjin is Australia's second oldest literary journal. Founded by Clem Christesen in 1940, it has documented both the changing concerns of Australians and the achievements of many of the nation's writers, thinkers and poets. This anthology offers a broad sweep of essays, fiction and poetry published in Meanjin since the magazine began. Readers will get a sense of the debates waged in print over those seven decades and the growing confidence of the Australian written voice.

'The collection will interest the general reader, the literary enthusiast and those interested in Australian culture.

'The anthology has been compiled by current Meanjin editor Sally Heath, associate editor Zora Sanders, poetry editor Judith Beveridge, Richard McGregor and Emma Fajgenbaum.' (Publication summary)
Carlton : Melbourne University Press , 2012
(
2012
)
pg. 185-190