Australian Identity In John Schumann's Poem 'I Was Only 19'
“And the Anzac legends didn't mention mud and blood and tears, and stories that my father told me never seemed quite real.” (Schumann, 1983)
John Schumann's memorable lyrics about the Vietnam War in his poem, “I was only 19”, are etched into our memories and into Australia’s history. He explored the elements of Australian Identity through his unique and distinctive Australian vocabulary as he follows a young soldier’s journey through the Vietnam War. Today, I would like to discuss with you about what I believe best represents Australian Identity in John Schumann’s poem.
John Schumann's memorable lyrics about the Vietnam War in his poem, “I was only 19”, are etched into our memories and into Australia’s history. He explored the elements of Australian Identity through his unique and distinctive Australian vocabulary as he follows a young soldier’s journey through the Vietnam War. Today, I would like to discuss with you about what I believe best represents Australian Identity in John Schumann’s poem.