Aesthetic Value Aesthetic: concerned with notions such as the beautiful and the ugly. relating to the science of aesthetics; concerned with the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty. (oxforddictionary.com)

How Do We Measure Aesthetics in Literature?

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So how do we measure aesthetic value?

Is the text ‘elevating’ or ‘civilising’ in its promotion of moral values (ethical depth, promotes humanitarian ideals)?

Is there a strategic manipulation of literary devices in Australian Gothic to achieve a distinguished and highly artistic narration which makes this text worthy of being considered literary canon?

A canonical text is a piece of literature considered to be influential and controversial in its time, the underlying message being transcendent, a criteria of which Australian Gothic fulfils. Mary Rachel Brown clearly conveys controversy through her strategic manipulation of literary devices. The play is introduced through allusion to the iconic musician Leonard Cohen, renowned for his political and societal commentary. She highlights the lyrics, " I have tried in my way to be free, like a worm on a hook"(3). Brown intentionally focuses on this simile to bring the audience’s attention to her liberty motif. In this image Cohen features a person who claims to be trying to achieve liberty while comparing himself to a sacrificial object who lacks freedom. It’s important to note that the worm is sacrificed to feed humans. Later in the text, the protagonist is compared to this worm through a sacrificial pose in the stage directions where Claire is standing like Jesus on the cross while being “lifted to the Gods” ( ). This biblical allusion occurs immediately after she is interrogated by police who cite the 2005 Immigration Act as their motive. This shows how they are using Claire to achieve freedom from the terror threatening Australia. The manipulation of literary devices creates a clear link that challenges the audience to question their own liberties. This is a call to action that can transcend time and culture making this text a potential candidate for literary canon.

To be considered literary canon, a text must employ an artistic manipulation of language in order to communicate original and universal insights about humanity. The play Australian Gothic, written by Mary Rachel Brown in 2008, clearly conveys how there is a misuse of power in contemporary society through the strategic manipulation of allusions. Throughout the play there are many allusions to the iconic musicians (Leonard Cohen), literature (Animal Farm), and authors (Kafka). Each connotes political and social commentary and the fact that they are referenced throughout the text creates a constant reminder to the audience to be aware of the author’s comments about society. The author also alludes to historic figures who were revered by some when they were in power but are currently seen as leaders who were ruled by fear or greed to use their power in oppressive ways (Hitler, Churchill, George Bush). These allusions are juxtaposed with scenes where a cliche elderly couple struggle to control each other in subtle ways like overpowering conversation or controlling tea time. They are also juxtaposed with scenes where security officers interrogate a seemingly innocent protagonist named Claire who is denied basic liberties like going to the bathroom or speaking freely to her parents which highlights that humanity has never learned to control their urges to overpower each other. When these moments are amalgamated, the subtle and strategic manipulation of literary devices challenges the public to question the human desire for power, which calls to mind the current power used by authority figures to control liberties in order to protect society from terrorism. The combination of literary devices, along with the moral message about power (a universal theme that transcends time) gives this text the potential of having the aesthetic value needed to be considered literary canon in the future.