Black Snake Questions & Answers

Barnaby is the fictional young protagonist of 'Black Snake.' He is an orphan who comes to live with the Kelly family, initially as a stable boy. His role is crucial as he serves as the primary narrator, offering a child's perspective on Ned Kelly and the events surrounding the gang. Through Barnaby's eyes, readers witness Ned's transformation from a respected local figure to an outlaw, and experience the complexities of the Kelly gang's actions and motivations, often seeing the injustices they faced.

The title 'Black Snake' is a metaphor used in the book to refer to the police and the oppressive colonial authorities. From the perspective of Ned Kelly and his supporters, the police were seen as a constant, dangerous, and often corrupt presence, striking out at the poor Irish selectors. The term encapsulates the fear, resentment, and sense of being hunted that the Kelly family and their sympathizers felt towards the law enforcement of the time, portraying them as a lurking, venomous threat.

Carole Wilkinson portrays Ned Kelly as a complex and somewhat sympathetic figure, seen primarily through the admiring eyes of young Barnaby. He is depicted as a charismatic, intelligent, and fiercely loyal man who is driven to outlawry by a series of injustices and the persecution of his family by the police. While acknowledging his violent actions, the book emphasizes his sense of honour, his care for his family and community, and his fight against a corrupt system, presenting him more as a folk hero than a simple criminal.

The armour worn by the Kelly gang at Glenrowan is highly significant. It symbolizes their desperation, their defiance against the authorities, and their attempt to become invincible. Made from plough mouldboards, the crude but effective armour made them appear almost supernatural and terrifying to the police. It represents their last stand, a desperate measure to protect themselves and make a powerful statement, ultimately becoming an iconic image associated with Ned Kelly's legend and his fight against the 'black snake' of the law.

The book highlights several historical injustices that fuel Ned Kelly's outlawry. These include the systemic harassment and persecution of the Kelly family and other poor Irish selectors by the police, often based on flimsy evidence or personal vendettas. Specific incidents like the Fitzpatrick incident, where Ned's mother was wrongly imprisoned, and the constant impounding of horses, are shown to push Ned to breaking point, illustrating a biased legal system that offered little recourse for those on the margins of society.

Spoiler: During the climactic siege at Glenrowan, the Kelly gang, wearing their distinctive armour, takes over the Glenrowan Inn, holding hostages. Their plan to derail a police train goes awry when a schoolmaster escapes and warns the authorities. The Inn is surrounded by police, leading to a prolonged shootout. Joe Byrne is killed, and Dan Kelly and Steve Hart die in the burning building. Ned Kelly, severely wounded but still fighting in his armour, is eventually captured after a dramatic last stand, marking the end of the gang.

Barnaby's perspective profoundly influences the reader's understanding of Ned Kelly by presenting him through the eyes of an impressionable and loyal young boy. Barnaby initially sees Ned as a kind, protective, and heroic figure, a victim of police injustice. This viewpoint encourages readers to empathize with Ned and understand the motivations behind his actions, even as they witness his descent into violence. It allows for a nuanced portrayal, challenging the simplistic 'criminal' label and exploring the complexities of his legend.

The main theme of 'Black Snake' is the exploration of justice versus injustice, particularly from the perspective of the marginalized. It delves into how societal structures and corrupt authorities can push individuals to extreme measures, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The book examines loyalty, family bonds, and the formation of legend, questioning who defines 'the law' and whether true justice is always served by it, especially when viewed through the eyes of those who feel oppressed.

The book depicts the relationship between the Kelly family and the police as deeply antagonistic and fraught with tension. The police are often portrayed as corrupt, vindictive, and prejudiced against the Irish selectors, constantly harassing the Kellys. This relentless persecution, including false accusations and arrests, is shown to be a primary catalyst for Ned Kelly's outlawry. The Kelly family, in turn, views the police as an oppressive force, leading to a cycle of defiance, retaliation, and escalating conflict.

Women, particularly Ellen Kelly (Ned's mother) and Kate Kelly (Ned's sister), play significant roles in 'Black Snake.' Ellen's unjust imprisonment is a major turning point, fueling Ned's rage and determination. Kate is depicted as strong, resourceful, and loyal, actively supporting the gang by carrying messages and providing assistance, even risking her own safety. The women represent the backbone of the family, enduring hardship and demonstrating resilience, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on the entire Kelly clan.

Spoiler: At the end of the book, Barnaby survives the Glenrowan siege. He is deeply affected by the events and the loss of the Kelly gang members, particularly Ned. He chooses to leave the area, carrying with him the memories and the story of Ned Kelly. His fate is left somewhat open, but it's implied he will carry Ned's legacy and perhaps share his version of the story, having witnessed the events firsthand and formed his own complex understanding of the outlaw.

The book addresses the concept of heroism by presenting a nuanced view of Ned Kelly. Through Barnaby's eyes, Ned is often seen as a hero – a protector of his family, a fighter against injustice, and a charismatic leader. However, the narrative also implicitly questions the cost of this heroism, showing the violence and suffering it entails. It suggests that heroism can be subjective, depending on one's perspective and allegiance, and that figures like Ned can be both admired and feared, embodying a complex blend of noble intentions and violent actions.

Black Snake' offers significant insights into the harsh realities of life for poor settlers, particularly Irish immigrants, in colonial Australia. It depicts the struggles with poverty, the constant battle against the land, and the systemic discrimination faced by those on the margins. The book illustrates how a lack of legal recourse, combined with police corruption and social prejudice, could lead to a deep sense of injustice and push ordinary people to desperate measures, highlighting the stark class divisions and social tensions of the era.

Ned Kelly decided to make armour as a desperate measure for protection and to make a powerful statement during his final confrontation with the police at Glenrowan. He believed the armour would make his gang invincible against police bullets, giving them a tactical advantage. It also served as a psychological weapon, making them appear fearsome and almost supernatural. The armour symbolized their defiance and their commitment to a final, dramatic stand against the authorities they felt had wronged them.

Carole Wilkinson skillfully weaves historical facts into her fictional narrative by focusing on the well-documented events of Ned Kelly's life, such as the Fitzpatrick incident, the Stringybark Creek murders, and the Glenrowan siege. She uses these historical touchstones as the backbone of the plot, but introduces the fictional character of Barnaby to provide a unique, personal, and empathetic perspective. This blend allows her to explore the emotional and human aspects of the historical events, making the story accessible and engaging for readers while remaining grounded in historical context.

The Stringybark Creek incident is highly significant as it marks Ned Kelly's definitive transformation into an outlaw. During this event, Ned and his gang ambushed a police patrol, resulting in the deaths of three policemen. This act crossed a critical line, making them wanted men for murder and escalating the conflict dramatically. It solidified their status as outlaws in the eyes of the law, leading to a massive manhunt and ultimately shaping the trajectory of the rest of Ned Kelly's life and legend.

The book deeply explores the theme of loyalty through various characters and relationships. Barnaby's unwavering loyalty to Ned Kelly, despite witnessing his violent acts, is central. It also shows the fierce loyalty within the Kelly family and among their sympathizers in the community, who risked their own safety to protect the gang. Conversely, the book touches on the betrayal of informers, highlighting the stark contrast between those who stood by the Kellys and those who turned against them, often for reward money.

Readers can take away several lessons from 'Black Snake,' including the importance of questioning official narratives and understanding different perspectives on historical events. It teaches about the complexities of justice and injustice, and how systemic oppression can lead to desperate actions. The book also highlights the enduring power of loyalty, family, and the human spirit in the face of adversity, encouraging empathy for those caught in difficult circumstances and prompting reflection on the nature of heroism and villainy.

The setting of the Australian bush is crucial to the story, almost acting as a character itself. It provides both refuge and challenge for the Kelly gang. The dense, unforgiving landscape allows them to evade police for extended periods, becoming their sanctuary and a symbol of their wild, untamed spirit. However, it also represents the harshness of colonial life and the isolation faced by settlers. The bush is integral to their identity as 'bushrangers' and shapes their tactics and survival.

While 'Black Snake' presents Ned Kelly through the sympathetic eyes of young Barnaby, it does not entirely romanticize his actions. It acknowledges the violence and the tragic consequences of his choices, particularly the deaths of the policemen and the gang members. The book aims to provide a balanced, albeit empathetic, view, exploring the motivations and injustices that drove Ned, rather than simply glorifying his outlawry. It allows readers to understand why he became a legend, without fully endorsing every action.