I was very surprised while reading parcel 6 to find the first true break in Ned's morals. We have discussed lengthily in class how, even though they are not the same morals we use, Ned always operates off of a firm, unwavering notion of what's right and what's wrong. I had assumed up until this point that become involved with the corrupt regime of policemen and government-funded slackers that rule his world would be an inviolable law in Ned's books. However, after he is unable to find employment, Ned reluctantly decides to work for Constable Hall and crew. I acknowledge the reluctance with which he accepts this position, but still feel shocked that he would even consider joining forces with the police officers, even to build a fence.
I was willing to excuse this on the basis that Ned really did need a job and no one else would hire him, but then Ned uses police protection to win a fight with his uncles! At the suggestion of his new "friend," Constable Hall, Ned starts a fight at the pub and then runs back to the police station. When he gets there, Constable Hall tells Ned to go hide in the back while he finishes the fight - this is the Constable Hall who is normally "caged in his office by his own fear" (159) - and Ned obeys the order. I don't know if Carey put this part in the novel because he knew at one point the real Kelly worked for the police and he had to work it in, or if he had other motivations, but I felt majorly let down by our outlaw-hero while reading this account. Hiding behind policemen? I'm ashamed of Ned.
I agree with Josh that Ned taking a job working for the "traps" is something that would seem wildly out-of-character to someone not familiar with Kelly's situation at the time which he took the job. For me, Ned working for the police wasn’t all that surprising or disappointing. He was desperate for a job, he’d just had contact with a cop who had helped him out (148), and he wanted to ensure that he and his family would not have to undergo any more injustices at the hands of the law (“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”). This last fact also helps explain why Kelly didn’t fight his uncles (160): he didn’t want any more trouble for him or his family. Josh is right to say that, on the surface, Ned’s actions in this section seem strange, but I wouldn’t say they are shameful.
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