Deadly+Unna?+Task+sheet



**You must complete all the following:** Select and list from the following themes and issues only those which you think apply to the extract you’ve just read. (See attached extract) Explain how the ones you selected do apply.
 * 1) What picture do we get of Blacky in the first chapter? Consider, for example, his sense of humour. Do you find him to be a likeable character? Why/why not?
 * 2) We first meet Dumby Red in Chapter 5. What is your impression of him in this first meet ing? What is Blacky’s impression of him? Do you know anyone like Dumby? How do you feel when you are around them?
 * 3) Chapter 6: Make notes on the following characters;
 * 4) Blacky’s dad:
 * 5) Blacky’s mum:
 * 6) Best Team-man:
 * 7) Do they remind you of anyone? If so, how?
 * 8) Why had Blacky never been to the Point? (Chapter 10)
 * 9) Why does Blacky no longer go near his father’s boat? (Chapter 11) How does he feel about his father’s reaction? (p.76) How would you feel if this had happened to you?
 * 10) Why do you think there are so few Nungas at the Grand Final Do?
 * 11) How does Blacky feel when he sees Clarence sitting underneath ‘BOONGS PISS OFF’? (pp121-122) How would you feel? What would you do?
 * 12) __**//Chapters 15-17://**__
 * 13) What is **Irony ?**  Begin with “Irony is ……….” Use a dictionary. Now explain why it is ironic that Blacky is being congratulated and hailed as a hero ? (p. 114)
 * 14) What evidence is there of **racism** which is beginning to surface ?
 * 15) What is **symbolism ?** Begin with “Symbolism involves …….” Use a dictionary again. Now explain what is symbolic about the graffiti on the shed wall ? (p. 119; 121-122; 132-133)
 * 16) “….but I hadn’t scratched it out either. “ What does this show about the way in which people can show or contribute to racist attitudes. (p. 122) How would you describe Big Mac’s attitude to the Aborigines in the back bar on page 156? And what is his reaction to Tommy Red’s story on page 160?
 * 17) Why do you think Blacky denies knowing Clarence in Chapter 28? Has there ever been a time in your life when you have pretended that you weren’t as friendly with someone as you really were? Discuss.
 * 18) What is the attitude of the people of the Port to Dumby’s shooting? (Chapters 29-30) Why do you think this is?
 * 19) What advice does Blacky get from The Brady Bunch and how does it help him?
 * 20) **//Chapter 22//** In what ways does the pub seem to reflect the attitudes and values of the town. Think about race; relationship; what it is to be considered as being a man.
 * 21) How important do you think it is that Blacky says ‘Nukkin ya’ to Clarence on page 234?
 * 22) Why might Darcy be smiling when he says, ‘I daresay they should young’un. I daresay they should’? (p251)
 * 23) Page 220. What could be the meaning of Blacky’s dream in Chapter 38?
 * 24) __**//Themes//**__


 * The importance of physical toughness
 * The effects of modern technology on our lives
 * Racism and prejudice
 * Self-sacrifice
 * Obsession
 * The importance of sporting prowess
 * Multicultural Australia
 * The stigma of mental health problems
 * Bullying
 * Economic struggles
 * The importance of individual identity
 * Social expectations.


 * Questions for reflection after reading the book.**


 * 1) On page 9, Blacky remarks about how labels such as ‘gutless wonder’ stick. What do you think about such labels? How important are they and how should people deal with them?
 * 2) When Clarence asks Blacky why stars die, he says because they burn out (p.125). Could this metaphor apply to Dumby? Was he a bright star which burnt out? Give reasons for your answer.
 * 3) Discuss how Blacky feels about responsibility. Compare, for example, how he feels on pp50-51 and 59 with how he feels at the end when Darcy talks about ‘they’. Do you think you would feel responsible? Give reasons for your answer.
 * 4) Blacky uses the name ‘Best Team-man’ ironically for his brother, Tim. He also refers to him as a ‘lemming’. What are the positive qualities of being a ‘team-person’ and what are the negative qualities? Would you say that you are a ‘team player’ in most situations? Give reasons for your answer.
 * 5) What examples of prejudice and discrimination do we see in the novel? Would you behave differently? Why/why not?
 * 6) What do you think the author is wanting readers to think about when they are reading this book? Consider themes such as racism, prejudice, friendship, family relationships, couraget.
 * 7) There are many humorous characters in this novel: Darcy, Pickles, Arks, Shirl and Grills Lillee, to name a few. What do these characters add to the story? Are they necessary?
 * 8) Is there any problem associated with telling a story about a teenager as a first-person narrative? Does it sound believable? Would it be any better told in the third person? Give reasons for your answer.
 * 9) Many novels written for young adults these days have fantasy or supernatural elements. Deadly, Unna? however, relies on a realistic narrative and richly and carefully drawn characters. How do you respond to this? Do you prefer ‘realistic’ novels?
 * 10) Cathy seems to be the typical stuck-up, spoilt rich girl. Do you think her character suffers for being a stereotype or cliché?


 * Creative and personal writing**

__**Choose only one to complete out of 2 and 3:**__ Read carefully through the extract from another segment from the novel Working in groups of about three or four, rewrite one main part of the Presentation Night in __**script form**__. You could choose from;
 * 1) We hear a lot these days about the need for ‘Aboriginal reconciliation’. Once you know exactly what this term means, write a step by step guide to what you think needs to be done to achieve reconciliation between indigenous and white Australians.
 * 1) **//Create a collage using words and pictures to represent the themes, plot and characters of Deadly Unna?//**
 * 2) **//Chapter 11: The Fishing Trip - Read carefully through Blacky's fishing trip with Team-Man and his dad aboard the Meryl. Write a poem about this scene. Include some of the following: metaphors, similes, personification, onomatopoeia, alliteration and assonance. Minimum 12 lines.//**
 * 3) (From chapter 17; pages 126 – 133)
 * Gary Black receiving his award
 * The local member’s speechYr9gettingorganised
 * Gary and his Dad
 * Dumby Red and Gary just after the award.

Allocate parts to members of your group; rehearse thoroughly and try to bring the characters to life by thinking about;
 * How they’d talk: accent, tone of voice, etc.,
 * Facial expressions: embarrassment, confusion, joy, etc.,
 * Body movements: posture, gestures, stance, etc.,
 * Be ready to present to the class and to present your script for assessment.


 * Subjects for research** **(Choose One) NOT TO BE DONE IN YOUR JOURNAL. These should be presented in an imaginative and informative way, so that they class may learn from you. Make it more persuasive than instructional.**

Bringing them home: National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.
 * 1) The Point, especially in its proximity to the Port, sounds like one of the many Aboriginal reserves or missions that are now Aboriginal communities. Some of these have tragic histories of hardship, suffering and neglect. Perhaps there is such a community near you. Conduct some research on a place such as Lake Tyers in eastern Victoria.
 * 2) Conduct research into the ‘Stolen Children’ inquiry. The correct name for this report is: