For the Term of His Natural Life (eBook)

Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
476 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654725412-6 (EAN)

Infos

In "For the Term of His Natural Life," Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke weaves a gripping narrative that explores the harrowing life of Rufus Dawes, a convict sentenced to transportation to Australia. Written in the 1870s, the novel reflects the harsh realities of 19th-century penal practices and colonial Australia. Clarke employs a rich, descriptive prose style that evokes powerful imagery and emotional depth, making the reader acutely aware of the psychological torment and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The work also subtly critiques the British penal system, positioning itself within the broader literary context of colonial narratives and social reform literature. Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke, an influential figure in Australian literature, was deeply impacted by his own experiences of societal injustice and his exposure to the penal system during his formative years. Raised in a politically charged environment, Clarke's empathy for the marginalized fueled his desire to depict the struggles of those ostracized by society. His own battles with depression and his critical views on authority provide a poignant backdrop to the narrative's exploration of exile and redemption. This novel is a powerful recommendation for readers interested in historical fiction that intertwines personal strife with broader societal issues. Clarke's work resonates with contemporary themes of justice and humanity, making it not just a tale of survival but also a compelling reflection on the enduring impulse for freedom and morality against adversity.

Autor

Marcus Andrew Hislop Clarke (1846–1881) was an Anglo-Australian writer and journalist, renowned for his seminal work 'For the Term of His Natural Life' (1874), a powerful and grim narrative set in the Australian penal colonies. Born in London, Clarke moved to Australia at the age of 17, which profoundly influenced his literary themes. He quickly engaged with the colonial intellectual circles, contributing to early Australian literature with both his journalistic endeavors and literary outputs. Clarke's narrative style can be described as darkly romantic and realist, often focusing on the convict history of Australia and the associated social injustices. 'For the Term of His Natural Life' is a significant work in this regard, offering a stark depiction of the brutal life endured by convicts. The novel is notable for its vivid characterizations and detailed descriptions of colonial life, which have contributed to Clarke's enduring reputation as a central figure in the Australian literary canon. Clarke's other works, less known but still important for their cultural insights, include 'The Future Australian Race' and his short stories collected posthumously in 'The Marcus Clarke Memorial Volume'. Crafted with a severe yet compassionate pen, Clarke's contribution to literature not only records the suffering and endurance of his characters but also serves as a timeless testament to the complexities of human nature and the historic experiences of Australia.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 4.9.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Natur / Technik ► Fahrzeuge / Flugzeuge / Schiffe
• Schlagworte: 19th century justice • 19th century novels • Australia • Australian Literature • Australian penal history • Authoritarian regime • Classic Literature • Colonial Australia • colonial Australia experiences • convict life narrative • Convict narrative • convict transportation • criminal justice system • Desperate Escapes • English literature • epic saga • Fiction • flashback storytelling technique • flawed morality exploration • Harsh Penal System • historical fiction • Human resilience themes • literary fiction • Marcus Clarke author • Moody Historical Fiction • Penal colonies • penal colony narrative • Penal transportation • Prisoners • Realism and naturalism • redemption and survival • rich landscape description • Social injustice • Tragic Redemption • Victorian Australia