Origin, Identity and the Body in David Malouf’s Fiction
Abstract
Argues that a conception of Malouf's fiction as historical is simplistic. Malouf undertakes 'fictional revisitings of moments in Australian history—moments in which, in retrospect, significant difference can be seen to have occurred', but his primary urge is 'to explore and challenge difference and boundaries or, more precisely, to explore and challenge the concepts of difference and boundaries themselves'. This is achieved 'in a language which contests the very condition of its own existence—which is the condition of difference, of division and distinction'.
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Published 1 May 1999 in Volume 19 No. 1. Subjects: Australian history, Australian identity, Characterisation, Imagery, Narrative techniques, Plot, Writer's craft, David Malouf.
Cite as: Taylor, Andrew. ‘Origin, Identity and the Body in David Malouf’s Fiction.’ Australian Literary Studies, vol. 19, no. 1, 1999, doi: 10.20314/als.01670b3c96.