The True Ned Kelly

At the very beginning, before the Parcels, Ned Kelly is described as a "wild beast brought to bay"(4). This description seems appropriate considering his rather notorious reputation. However, we see a very different side of Ned Kelly in the first parcel. In this first part of his life, the confusion of the young Ned Kelly is seen as he attempts to make sense of his life and of the world. It is here that glimpses of his bewilderment and innocence are revealed to the audience. His world is shattered when he discovers his father's dress with the red roses on the hem in the trunk. He himself says that "up to that point [he] had been [his father's] shadow, never losing a chance to be with him" (19). After finding the dress, however, his respect for his father is completely lost in the face of the betrayal that Ned feels upon discovering that Sergeant O'Neil's story was in fact true. Ned's innocence is also displayed when he feels immense pride at being chosen to be the ink monitor, and when he "vowed to be the best ink monitor that were ever born" (28). Though this is a relatively insignificant job, the pride Ned feels in his 'accomplishment' shows his true age. Ned's tender side is also brought out when he holds his sister, Grace, for the first time. He helps his mother give birth to her, and when he holds her, he describes her as "our precious little baby....[with] eyes so clear and untroubled" (27). This is the first time that we have seen Ned's capacity for love, as much of his story so far has been about the troubles he and his family have. However, I believe that the birth of his sister really changed him. The affection he holds for her the moment she was born cannot be without significance. This tender, more innocent side of Ned Kelly will help to understand his choices as he moves through his life.