"Truganinny" is a poem by Wendy Rose which reaches out to the identity struggle experienced by “half-breeds” or “outcasts” in other races. The poem tells a story about Truganinny who was the last Tasmanian. Her husband stuffed, mounted, and put her on display. Although it was her dying wish that her body be be placed in a far out sea or mountain. Her husband ignored this dying wish and placed her on display for over eighty years just so he could put more money in his pocket.
The way the poem is written made me feel almost like I was experiencing her dying wish. The author uses words that make it seem very personal and powerful almost like she is encouraging the reader to come in close and listen to what she has to say. Yet as we read we find out that her request goes un-honored because of her selfish husband. To go along with the other readings we have done in class it makes we want to believe that this is somehow a symbol or further implication of silencing cultures (Native Americans for example) along with women. It reminds me of the social injustices that Rachel faced in "The Girl That Fell From the Sky." (Shawn Parkhurst, 10)
Great observations about "Truginny." I particularly like when you observe that Truginny is representative of different kinds of racial outcasts. However, I think in parts you confuse "Truginny" with "Julia" as it was Julia's husband who had her stuffed and displayed following her death, whereas Truginny's husband had been exhibited himself.
ReplyDelete