"On the same line of reasoning, if Australians were to be Australians, or rather if Australians were as separate from any other nation as Australia from any other land, there would be no jealousy between them on England's account"
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Henry Lawson, among Australia's most well known authors, often checked out styles of national identity and the Australian experience in his works. The quote in concern looks into the idea of Australian identity and its relationship with England, reflecting the more comprehensive cultural discourse prevalent during Lawson's time.
The phrase "if Australians were to be Australians" recommends a desire for a distinct nationwide identity separate from colonial impacts. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Lawson was writing, Australia was still greatly affected by British culture, politics, and social norms. This was a period when nations, particularly those with colonial histories, were making every effort to define their unique identities. Lawson is implying that Australians should recognize and embrace their distinctiveness-- culturally, socially, and geographically-- much like the physical separation between Australia and England due to the vast oceans.
The concept of "Australians were as separate from any other nation as Australia from any other land" stresses Australia's geographic seclusion as a metaphor for potential cultural and nationwide independence. Lawson argues that if Australians might perceive themselves as being as unique from other countries as their continent is geographically, there would be no cause for jealousy or cultural inferiority in relation to England, the colonial "mom country."
The reference of "jealousy in between them on England's account" suggests underlying tensions and insecurities connected to Australia's colonial past and its battle for an unique national identity. Lawson is likely talking about the viewed requirement for Australians to look for validation or approval from England, implying that such feelings originate from an absence of unique nationwide awareness.
In essence, Lawson supporters for Australians to cultivate a self-contained nationwide identity, characterized by pride in their special heritage and self-reliance from colonial impact. Such a change, according to Lawson, would relieve insecurities and foster a more confident, harmonious sense of Australian identity, unburdened by contrast to or reliance on England.
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