Written by Jessie Singleton

My Brilliant Career
My Brilliant Career is a 1901 published novel authored by Miles Franklin; the first Australian
literary work that is still considered as a renowned classic among the generations. The 1979
film adaptation, directed by Gillian Armstrong, is successful in its own right as a creative piece
- inspired by Franklins narrative - however does not sufficiently align with the prevailing
themes, authored views & values and authentic characterisation depicted in the original text
to be considered a successful adaptation.
In the novel My Brilliant Career, Sybylla - Franklins own mouthpiece to challenge the societal
norms and identity of her time - establishes her presence, perspective and position
immediately across the opening pages. The protagonist/narrator opens her trap before any
proper words are uttered boo, hoo! ow, ow; Oh! oh! Mell die. Boo, hoo. The pain, the pain!
Boo, hoo!. These inarticulate cries of torment are used as vague introductory sentences
without prior context, enabling the reader to widely interpret its intended significance beyond
the accompanying anecdote. The continual symbolic use of her voice/mouth referenced throughout the novel - represents Franklins views & values, which are seen
repeatedly oppressed and silenced by other supporting characters during the narrative. My
Brilliant Career commences with an introductory anecdote, displaying a young Sybylla
squealing over her scalding fingers as her father immediately attempts to silence her outburst,
exclaiming Dont cry any more now. Hush, you must not cry! Youll make old Dart buck if
you kick up a row like that. This excerpt shows the first reference to Franklins controversial
interactions between the governing societal expectations of the time against her own
repressed curiosity and feministic beliefs. Sybyllas following comment also adds further value,
stating That is my first recollection of life. I was barely three.. The irony of this passage
emphasises the extent of which overriding societal standards intercepted and invalidated
Sybyllas opinion, starting from her earliest recollection of being alive; parallel of Franklins
existing position - a complex sage restricted by the designated roles of women. It is also
important to note: women writers of the time were required to change their name to one of
masculine appearance in order to be published and read by members of their society;
expressing the sexism of the time.
In the cinematic adaptation of My Brilliant Career, Armstrong encompasses a number of
filmic devices to create depth and engage the audience through specific elements distinctive to
motion pictures. An obvious example of this is the use of Voice Overs; as Sybylla is narrator

LITERATURE ESSAY

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and the protagonist in the film, it is a highly time-effective ploy to implement spoken audio
over visual imagery. In the opening scenic shot of the outdoors, Sybyllas voiceover details
Possum Gully, Australia. 1897 in Judy Daviss oddly British accent; the viewers first insight
into the typical Australian setting. This choice of introduction contradicts with Franklins
known talents of written imagery, informing viewers of the setting before engaging with any
visual representations or symbols. The lengthy descriptors Franklin adopts throughout her
novel are a significant part of readers connecting and imagining the lands of Australia, which
are immediately irrelevant from the opening dialogue of the film - thus being a poor
representation of the novel.

LITERATURE ESSAY

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