VELS 5
VELS 6Ned Kelly's Jerilderie Letter
Ned Kelly's Jerilderie Letter
Use these materials with the worksheets on the right, to help students evaluate sources and analyse documents. Below the worksheets are printable versions of all materials, which you can use in the classroom.
For more information on evaluating sources see:
See curriculum links
Relevant VELS Level 6 standards include:
The Humanities –
History
- analyse events which contributed to Australia's social, political and cultural development
- comprehend and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources.
English
- explain how texts are shaped by the time, place and cultural setting in which they are created.
Thinking Processes
- analyse alternative perspectives and perceptions
- make informed decisions based on the analysis of various perspectives and, sometimes contradictory, information.
For more information see Curriculum Links Level 6 [pdf 47KB]
See background information
In
1879, Ned Kelly dictated the Jerilderie letter to Joe Byrne. In the letter,
Kelly tells his version of events leading up to his exile and eventual capture.
This document provides us with a unique insight into what Kelly was thinking
and feeling, as well as how he hoped to be perceived by those around him.
For
additional information, see:
The Jerilderie Letter
Capture of the Kelly Gang
Ellen Kelly
Jerilderie letter, p 36
Creator
Ned
Kelly (dictated to Joe Byrne)
Date created
1879
Important to note
Although Ned Kelly was eventually tried as a murderer, in this section of
the letter he paints himself as a man who simply wants to end the injustice of
his exile. He also indicates that the police knowingly turned a blind eye to
what he saw as Constable Fitzpatrick's misdeeds at the Kelly household.
Jerilderie letter, p 42
Creator
Ned
Kelly (dictated to Joe Byrne)
Date created
1879
Important to note
In this
section of the letter, Ned portrays himself as a man of principle who wouldn't shoot
anyone unless he had to. He wanted to communicate that he wasn't a simple
villain, but rather someone forced into a life of crime as a result of social
disadvantage and police prejudice.
Jerilderie letter, p 43
Creator
Ned
Kelly (dictated to Joe Byrne)
Date created
1879
Important to note
In this section of the letter, Ned vocalises his
opinion that the police are corrupt, dishonest, and out to get him. In doing
this, he demonstrates the colourful colloquial language that was common at the
time. Interestingly, the expletives refer to Australian native animals, not
those of Britain or Ireland.
Jerilderie letter, p 46
Creator
Ned
Kelly (dictated to Joe Byrne)
Date created
1879
Important to note
Irish
people in the colonies were often treated badly by police and government bodies
– here Ned describes, and expresses sympathy for, such treatment. Ned's
reputation as a champion of the downtrodden may stem from his being well
regarded by the disadvantaged Irish community.
