How did nationalism shape Australian writing in the late 19th century?

In the late 19th century, nationalism profoundly shaped Australian writing by fostering a distinct cultural identity centered on the Outback and the figure of the bush worker. This movement was heavily driven by the weekly newspaper the Bulletin, which championed the slogan "Australia for the Australians" and encouraged contributors to "write Australian".12

Key influences of this nationalist sentiment included:

• The Bush Ethos: Writers were urged to celebrate the virtues of the bush worker—portrayed as tough, laconic, and self-reliant—and the egalitarian ideal of "mateship".12
• Literary Style: The Bulletin promoted a spare, laconic prose style and a preference for humorous, realistic depictions of rural hardships and the struggles of small-scale farmers.1
• Key Figures: Authors such as Henry Lawson, A.B. ("Banjo") Paterson, and Joseph Furphy became the primary voices of this school, crafting stories and ballads that defined the national character.12

While this "bush realism" dominated the era, it was not universal; some writers explored darker, more complex themes, and others maintained ties to broader British Empire traditions.12