Nuture by Ali Cobby Eckermann Full Poem Analysis (Module A: Bush Studies/ Inside My Mother)

In the new 2027 HSC syllabus, Ali Cobby Eckermann’s suite of poetry Inside My Mother has been included in the English Advanced Module A syllabus and is compared with Barbara Baynton’s short story anthology, Bush Studies. Nurture is one of the new poems selected for study.

Introduction to the Year 12 MODULE A: TEXTUAL CONVERSATIONS

From NESA: “Students explore the ways in which the comparative study of texts can reveal resonances and dissonances within and between texts. Students identify, interpret, analyse and evaluate the textual features, conventions, contexts, values and purposes of TWO prescribed texts. By comparing TWO texts, students understand how authors are influenced by other texts, contexts and values, and how these shape meaning. Through their comparative study, they explore common or disparate issues, values, assumptions or perspectives, and the ways these are depicted. By responding imaginatively, interpretively and critically to the comparative study, students explore and evaluate individual and common textual features, concepts, ideas and values.”

Important things to note:

• comparative study of texts can reveal resonances and dissonances between and within texts 
• analyse and evaluate the textual features, conventions, contexts, values and purposes of texts
• common or disparate issues, values, assumptions or perspectives
•  individual and common textual features, concepts, ideas and values

When reading the poem, think about the author’s purpose, context, values, perspectives and textual features.

Author’s purpose: Eckermann critiques the familial fracture arising from cultural displacement and urges for a reconnection to Indigenous heritage.

Context: Reflecting her and her mother’s experiences as part of the Stolen Generation, and her separation from her son, Eckermann poignantly presents the intergenerational trauma as the aftermath of this dispossession.

Values: Eckermann promotes values of spiritual reintegration into traditional Indigenous customs and nature.

Perspectives: Eckermann is critical of how cultural displacement fragments emotional bonds and perpetuates alienation.

Textual features: we have included some sample IQTVEs for some key quotes in the poem. See this blog post on how to construct IQTVEs.

 IQTVE sample 1: Eckermann evokes the audiences’ sympathy towards the protagonist who “never received enough nurturing before she become a nurturer,” using the polyptoton to reflect the gendered expectations of her offering familial support while disregarding the emotional displacement experienced during colonial Australia.

IQTVE sample 2: Eckermann further juxtaposes her “washing and drying dishes each day” with “others hurled plates at each other” to emphasise their lack of appreciation for her perpetual obligations in the domestic sphere, and also her resulting isolation as she is referred to separately from the “others.”

IQTVE sample 3: To counter this familial fragmentation, the protagonist teaches the grandson “about the wind, and the sky”, symbolising a reconnection with the spirituality of nature that childhood innocence can appreciate.

IQTVE sample 4: Eckermann emotively reveals how the disillusioned protagonist “longs for some nurturing from the Old People” to emphasise the woman’s yearning for emotional connection with her predecessors and her cultural heritage to alleviate her from her emotional suffering of familial fragmentation.

Curious to learn more? At JP English, we provide Year 12 students with detailed notes on the prescribed text’s main ideas, context, links to the rubric and form, sample exam questions along with sample essay paragraphs. Additionally, Year 12 lessons are strictly text based and range between 3-6 students so that each student gets detailed support for their school assessments. School assessment help is provided both during class time and outside of class time through our free online marking service. We regularly update our materials so you get the latest exam tips based on our years of experience helping HSC students excel.