By Doane April Chungalao
Australian Literature covers works not only those coming from the European settlers, but also those of the indigenous tribes of the country, or the Aborigines. Many Australian literature feature a strong sense of values in the country that promote tradition and the celebration of the ethnic culture. Some of the themes focus on the individual experiences of people in the community, but also showcase a way of representation and symbolism of issues of the country. Although the country is rediscovering most of its classic literature, contemporary writings are celebrated just as much.
The story “If You Don’t Like It” by Alejandra Martinez and the award-winning poem “Wasteland” by David Campbell present a look into two individuals’ everyday Australian lives, but also depict a characteristically Aussie point of view on differences in race, age, and life lived down under.
Oceanic Literature presents a look into stories of the Pacific Islands. Most available downloadable sources consist of the myths and legends of the Pacific Islands that are popular in the international scene, such as “The Legends of Maui.” However, many of the contemporary Oceanic literature are hard to find and rarely appear as free sources over the internet.
As it is a struggle to support Oceanic literature, a number of Pacific Island authors and writers promote other forms of contemporary literature to raise awareness of the cultures of the Pacific Islands. The poems “I am Hine, I am Moana” by Tina Ngata and “Prescribed Fire” by William Nu’utupu Giles focus on identity and celebrate ethnicity while addressing the struggle of many Pacific Islanders to promote truth about their practices and their beliefs.
21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World 