One Night The Moon Analysis

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Context 1 – The imaginative landscape ‘Our surroundings can be both threatening and comforting.’ The imaginative landscape is a conceptual construct determined by interpretation and impact. It can therefore, be defined as both our physical environment and our perspectives of the land, making it unique and personal. Influenced by the way in which individuals perceive the land, either connection or disconnection can result. Where our surroundings can be both facilitating and threatening, this dichotomous relationship leads us to perceive the land not necessarily just as it is but as we wish it to be. Thus, those who have a strong identity die to their respect of the land will maintain their place even in difficult times yet those with…show more content…
Thus, if we do not facilitate our active participation in experiences, we will be threatened by the land. This indicates that the only way in which we can gain knowledge is through our experiences and these experiences allow us to be welcomed by the landscape. ‘One Night the Moon’ expresses the importance of both positive and negative experiences on lifestyle and wellbeing of humans. Albert is experienced within the landscape, being able to notice small changes in the environment. When tracking Emily, he discovers a fine strand of hair in a tree, literally finding the needle in the outback haystack. As he calmly searches the land he is comfortable in that the ‘white man can’t understand’. The musical score is soft and melodic to demonstrate his bond with the environment. The experience for the audience, as determined by Perkins’ choice of song lyric, is enhanced through music as it provides and effective and simple avenue to achieve greater tolerance. Music allows for the development of expression as it provides a common language, something only Albert truly appreciates. Contrastingly, Jim’s ignorance towards the land and the aboriginal community is a primary cause for his tragic downfall and as such, he is threatened by the land. His lack of experiences within the land is highlighted in the lone search for Emily as he falls and…show more content…
Culture can therefore be defined as much by the land we inhabit as the rhythm that accompanies it. Rachel Perkins’ familial experience with reconciliation and acknowledgement of the journey all Australians must embrace centres around our cultural heritage, or song lines, past and present. This storytelling through music is an inherent part of successful cultures as music aids the land in either welcoming or rejecting us. Though cultures may vary, depending on the type of people involved, there can be a strong connection between cultures. In ‘One Night the Moon’ when Albert gives Rose Emily’s toy, it symbolizes that cultural differences can be overcome through understanding. Contrastingly this notion is encompassed through the musical duet sung by Jim and Albert. Albert sings in a low key, ‘This land is me’, symbolizing his strong attachment to the land. Alternatively, Jim sings in a high key, ‘This land is mine’, suggesting that he is distanced, uncomfortable and unfamiliar of his relationship with nature. Culturally, Jim is still attached to his European roots and can therefore not adopt his identity to the Australian landscapes and it threatens
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