Contrasting Cultural Landscapes and spaces in Peter Weir's flm Picnic at Hanging Rock.

The original article can be found: here.

The main points of the article include:

1. The original novel may or may not be based on something that actually happened.

2. There is a culturally-constructed landscape and also a natural, wild landscape.

3. There are contrasts between the white settlers and the Aborigines.

4. There is a 'budding sexuality' of the school's boarders.

5. Mrs. Appleyard represents British authority.

6. The novel represents the anxieties of the Victorian age.

7. The settlers and the natives have a troubled relationship.

8. The film is charged with cultural and sexual symbolism.

9. The non-functioning watches might indicate British colonial decay.

10. The girls and their teacher might have entered a different sort of time, closely related to Aboriginal concepts of time.

11. When Miranda tells Sara that she (Miranda) won't be there much longer she might have had a premonition of her disappearance at the Rock.

12. The Rock, parts of the rock that have sexual symbolism and the events might indicate that the girls and their teacher might have reached a higher spiritual level.

13. A contrast is drawn between humans and animals.

14. Edith insulted the Rock and thus was not allowed to be with the other girls in their spiritual ascension.

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