‘Doing her bit’: Girls’ wartime adventures

Girls’ fiction published in England, the United States, Canada and Australia during and immediately after World War I reflects a patriotic fervour that extols imperialist greatness and international allegiances alongside a strong national pride, where girls are encouraged to understand and to accept their responsibilities to family, community, and nation in their support of the war effort. Yet girls are occasionally depicted having adventures of their own, whether they model the courage and patience required to keep the home fires burning or the bravery associated with active participation on the Front.
This lecture is presented in association with the exhibition Reading Adventures, Noel Shaw Gallery, Baillieu Library, University of Melbourne.