Ned Kelly as memory dispositif

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Nineteenth-century outlaw Ned Kelly is Australia's most renowned historical figure, with his story retold in various forms since he went on the run in 1878. His legacy is hotly debated, making him a key national icon. Kelly's flamboyant crimes turned him into a popular hero for many, symbolizing freedom, anti-authoritarianism, and anti-imperialism, akin to figures like Robin Hood and Che Guevara. Conversely, he has also been depicted as a villain and terrorist, with modern comparisons drawn to Julian Assange. This work uniquely analyzes the extensive representations of Kelly, from newspaper reports to iconic artworks, focusing on how his cultural memory has evolved and shaped national identity. It introduces the concept of the "memory dispositif," exploring how cultural memories are formed through complex relations, drawing on theories from Foucault, Deleuze, and Agamben, as well as concepts like allochronism and multidirectionality. The book highlights the intricate relationship between cultural memory and national identity, revealing that identities are often sub- and transnational. Kelly embodies a working-class, anti-establishment identity while simultaneously reinforcing notions of whiteness and masculinity in "Australianness." Thus, he serves as a turbulent, dual figure, reflecting both radical and conservative elements of Australian identity.