Ned Kelly Hero

Which hero, is known for murderous crimes? After more than a century of debate, there is still one question on everyone’s mind; ‘Is the remorseless bushranger, Ned Kelly, a hero, victim, or villain?’ Ned Kelly is recognised for his trademark iron helmet and his famous last words, “Such is life”, but does that hide the fact that he was Australia’s most hunted fugitive? Despite this, Ned thought that fighting for what he believed in, would bring justice to outlaws like him even though he went to extraordinary, murderous lengths. Ned Kelly possessed the exact qualities of a murderous villain.
As far as criminals go, Ned Kelly, the leader of one of the most wanted law breaking gangs in Australia’s history, was considered a manipulative and reckless
villain from a very young age. At the age of twelve, Ned Kelly had his first brush with the law after coming close to being convicted with horse and cattle theft. However, it is believed Ned’s actions were driven by his oppressive childhood as he was never taught right from wrong. With a family criminal history stretching back generations, it was only a matter of time before Ned came to the attention of the police. In 1878, Ned was 26 years old and serving his first jail sentence for violent assault. However, Ned Kelly was not completely bad. As stated in Carol Wilkinson’s novel, “Black Snake”, Ned rescued a drowning boy from a river at the age of eleven. As a result, to honour his courage and fortitude, he received a green sash. Despite this life saving effort, the evidence is clear, that the numerous significant crimes committed by Ned Kelly and his gang outnumber any good deeds they undertook. Ned Kelly’s villainous actions indicate the ruthless disregard he had for the law.
As Ned Kelly became older, the level of his criminal activity escalated. Perhaps Ned Kelly’s life may have ended differently, if he had not been exposed to criminal activity as a child. As we know, this was not the case. By the time Ned Kelly was 20, he had already committed over 10 crimes. This included numerous accounts of theft, murder and assault. Ned’s dreadful actions influenced others to fight alongside him, causing an increase of destruction. Moreover, he endangered many innocent lives. In the act of Ned’s major bank robberies, he burnt and destroyed many bank documents containing numerous family mortgages while escaping with £2000. This occurred several times in 1878. These heartless acts, can only be described as the doing of a true criminal.
Revered among fellow bush rangers, yet feared by law abiding citizens, Ned Kelly was a lethal perpetrator.
As portrayed in the novel, “Black Snake” by Carol Wilkinson, Ned Kelly was a murderer, thief and outlaw who stopped at nothing to bring justice at any cost. This was displayed when many innocent lives were lost at the Glenrowan Hotel during the Kelly’s last stand. Furthermore, the book demonstrates the brutal lengths he took, to transform the laws in Australia. In 1878, Ned committed several bank robberies and held innocent civilians as hostages for many hours. However, this was nothing compared to the horrific, murderous blood bath which took place at Stringybark Creek where Ned Kelly shot and killed three out of four policemen, some of whom were unarmed. The policemen were trying to capture Ned Kelly, after he allegedly assaulted Constable Fitzpatrick. After these deaths, the consequences for Ned Kelly only became worse. It was these consequences which led Ned into the uprising against the government.
Due to the evidence clearly stated above, there should be no doubt that Ned Kelly is a villain. Whether you read it left to right or right to left, there is one recurring message within this text. Ned Kelly is a complete and utter
villain!