Aboriginal Charter of Rights Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

Aboriginal Charter of Rights

By Oodgeroo Noonuccal

We want hope, not racialism,
Brotherhood, not ostracism,
Black advance, not white ascendance:
Make us equals, not dependants.

We need help, not exploitation,
We want freedom, not frustration;
Not control, but self-reliance,
Independence, not compliance,
Not rebuff, but education,
Self-respect, not resignation.
Free us from a mean subjection,
From bureaucratic protection.
Let’s forget the old-time slavers:
Give us fellowship, not favours;
Encouragement, not prohibitions,
Homes, not settlements and missions.
We need love, not overlordship,
Grip of hand, not whip-hand wardship;
Opportunity that places
White and black on equal basis.
You dishearten, not defend us,
Circumscribe, who should befriend us.
Give us welcome, not aversion,
Give us choice, not cold coercion,
Status, not discrimination,
Human rights, not segregation.
You the law, like Roman Pontius,
Make us proud, not colour-conscious;
Give the deal you still deny us,
Give goodwill, not bigot bias;
Give ambition, not prevention,
Confidence, not condescension;
Give incentive, not restriction,
Give us Christ, not crucifixion.
Though baptized and blessed and Bible
We are still tabooed and libelled.
You devout Salvation sellers,
Make us neighbours, not fringe-dwellers;
Make us mates, not poor relations,
Citizens, not serfs on stations.
Must we native Old Australians
In our own land rank as aliens?
Banish bans and conquer caste,
Then we’ll win our own at last.

Summary of Aboriginal Charter of Rights

Popularity of “Aboriginal Charter of Rights”: The poem “Aboriginal Charter of Rights” is a powerful declaration penned by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, a celebrated Aboriginal Australian poet and activist. It is a direct and resonant call for the rights of Indigenous Australians, articulating a desire for equality and self‑determination. The poem’s enduring popularity stems from its clear depiction of the hardships faced by Aboriginal Australians and its passionate advocacy for her community.

“Aboriginal Charter of Rights” As a Representative of Suppression: This poem powerfully contrasts the lived experiences of Aboriginal people with those of other Australians, highlighting key issues of civil, political, and social justice. It opens with a stark presentation of the challenges faced by Aboriginal Australians, demanding equal rights and genuine relationships based on brotherhood. The speaker expresses deep frustration with what she perceives as unjust government policies designed to control, exploit, and subjugate her people. The insistent demands for fairness reveal a history of discrimination in social, political, religious and civil life. This treatment has resulted in frustration, hopelessness, and a sense of enslavement. The speaker boldly demands protection and freedom from racist policies, and protests the injustice of being treated as aliens in their own land. Ultimately, the poem serves as a crucial articulation of rights denied.

Major Themes in “Aboriginal Charter of Rights”: The central themes of the poem are racism, inequality, and prejudice. Oodgeroo Noonuccal unflinchingly presents the unfair treatment endured by the Aboriginal population of Australia. She bears witness to the suffering of her people, intending to expose the prejudice and systemic injustices perpetuated by the Australian government. A staunch advocate for Indigenous rights, she skillfully employs poetic devices to highlight the power imbalance between the white majority and her community. Through this poem, she conveys a powerful message: injustice should not be tolerated, and a voice must be raised against oppressive conditions.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Aboriginal Charter of Rights”

Literary devices are tools writers use to deepen meaning and create impact. Oodgeroo Noonuccal masterfully employs a range of these techniques in “Aboriginal Charter of Rights.”

Assonance: This involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. Notice how the repetition of the short “e” sound in “We need help, not exploitation” subtly emphasizes the desperation of the request.

Anaphora: This is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. The recurring “Give…” at the beginning of many lines – “Give the deal… Give goodwill… Give ambition…” – functions as a powerful and insistent plea, building a rhythmic demand for basic rights and respect.

“Give the deal you still deny us,
Give goodwill, not bigot bias;
Give ambition, not prevention.”

Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a musical effect and emphasizes certain phrases. For instance, “Banish bans” reinforces the idea of eradicating oppressive laws.

Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds, but within words, not just at the beginning. The repetition of the “n” sound in “Then we’ll win our own at last” creates a sense of resolution and hope.

Epigraph: Though not a traditional epigraph, the opening lines – “We want hope, not racialism / Brotherhood, not ostracism” – function as a declaration of principles, immediately establishing the core themes and desired outcomes of the poem.

Enjambment: This occurs when a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without punctuation. For example:

“Though baptized and blessed and Bible
We are still tabooed and libelled.”

Imagery: The poem is rich in evocative imagery that appeals to the senses. Lines like “Grip of hand, not whip-hand wardship” create a strong visual contrast between genuine connection and oppressive control.

Metaphor: The poem uses metaphor to convey abstract ideas. The comparison of the government to “Roman Pontius” suggests an authority that exercises power without compassion or justice.

Rhetorical Question: The poem ends with a powerful rhetorical question: “Must we native Old Australians / In our own land rank as aliens?” This is not asked to receive an answer, but to force the reader to confront the absurdity and injustice of the situation.

Symbolism: Expressions like “We want freedom, not frustration” and “We want hope, not racialism” symbolize the suffering of the speaker and her people, but also their enduring desire for a better future.

Simile: The poem employs simile for comparison. The line “You the law, like Roman Pontius” draws a parallel between the governing authority and a historical figure known for their strict and often unjust rule.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Aboriginal Charter of Rights”

While literary devices and poetic devices often overlap, certain techniques are more central to poetry. Here’s a look at how Oodgeroo Noonuccal utilizes these elements in her poem.

Diction: The poem’s vocabulary is deliberate and precise. The use of strong, emotive language, coupled with stark contrasts (“hope” vs “racialism”, “love” vs “overlordship”), contributes to its powerful impact.

Free Verse: The poem does not adhere to a regular rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This free verse form allows the poem’s meaning and emotion to flow naturally, mirroring the speaker’s raw and direct voice.

Stanza: The poem is structured as a single, extended stanza. This continuous flow reinforces the sense of an ongoing struggle and a sustained demand for change.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are particularly effective for use in speeches or writings advocating for equality, freedom, and justice:

“We need help, not exploitation,
We want freedom, not frustration;
Not control, but self-reliance,
Independence, not compliance,
Not rebuff, but education,
Self-respect, not resignation.”