The document discusses how the author's view of Peter Lalor and the diggers at the Eureka Stockade changed after reading the article. Initially, the author viewed the diggers as an unorganized rabble of miners holding the government ransom over mining licenses. However, after reading about Peter Lalor's influential leadership and advocacy for miners' rights, as well as his likening of their situation to the Magna Carta, the author realized Lalor was more than just a miner with a beard. The author began viewing Lalor as more of a heroic figure like William Wallace, preparing troops for battle with rousing speeches. While acknowledging the article provides a one-sided view of history painting Lalor as defending

1. The Making
of a Legend

2. Before reading
this article I
had a vision of the
diggers at the Eureka
Stockade as an
unorganised rabble of
miners who held the
government to
ransom over a miners
licence.
Molony, J. (2001). The
making of a legend. In
Eureka (2nd ed.) (pp. 193-
203 & 229). Carlton,
Vic. : Melbourne
University Press.

3. Unorganized
Rabble

4. I would contest that I was a
well-educated man.
Furthermore I was an
influential leader and strong
advocate for the
rights of the diggers.
However after
reading this article I had
a changed point of
view.
I was now
asking myself why did I
not know
about
Peter Lalor ?

5. Peter Lalor was more than just his beard.
This was displayed when he insisted that if the
government wanted to enforce unjust measures by
force of arms, then the people had to respond in the
same manner (Molony, 2001).
Furthermore, Lalor displayed that he was an educated
man when he likened the plight of the miners to that of
King John’s barons, “ …..King John has granted the
Magna Carta to the barons with arms in their hands, and
not in response to a petition of the people.”
(Molony, 2001. P.193) –

6. After reading this article I
began to imagine Lalor more
as a William Wallace type
character from the film
Braveheart, giving his troops
rousing speeches and
preparing them for battle.
Why do my thoughts
escape me?

7. PeterLalor
=
William Wallace

8. Workers united we’ll
never be defeated
They may
take our
lands, but
they will
never take
our
Freedom

9. This article does tend to paint a
one sided image of history with
Lalor as the defender the people
verses Governor Hotham the
tyrannical dictator. For a more
balance perception of history one
would have to include other
readings into their research

10. I must admit, it’s a one
sided view of history
that I really enjoy.
Hear! hear!
Freedom

11. THE END …….