The Getting of Wisdom

The Getting of Wisdom is based on the 1910 novel by Henry Handel Richardson (born Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson). Her novel is thought to be an account of her own schooldays at the Presbyterian Ladies College in Melbourne. “Making good use of the city’s rich heritage of elegant nineteenth century architecture, the film recreates stuffy Victorian Melbourne” (World Film Directors 101). The film is about a young girl, Laura Tweedle-Rambotham who grew up in the outback, and at around the age of 14, is sent off by her poor mother who has scrimped and saved for her to go to a prestigious women’s private college in Melbourne, the Presbyterian Ladies College. “The film is a period piece but provides a devastating look at the overly genteel pretensions of the class-bound, nineteenth-century Australian society. Not yet secure in its own identity this society still copied the Victorian social arrangements of the motherland” (International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers: Directors 59).
               As the outcast of the school, the aim of Laura’s instruction is to instill in her a respect for a set learning style, for strict adherence to the arrogant ways of behavior set by the teachers and students, and for preparing for the ultimate goal of marriage. However, Laura seems to be the rebellious ugly duckling who does not fit in.  She immediately sticks out wearing her bright handmade red dress and red hat with her uncombed hair and pale skin whereas her fellow classmates are neatly primed with finely combed hair and, brighter complexions, and a simple uniform. Laura is an intelligent, individualistic, peculiar girl who comes to college with an open mind and an enthusiasm to learn and make new friends, but she soon learns that the girls she meets do not want to have anything to do with her. They make fun of her, but Laura nevertheless wants to pursue a friendship with these snobby, rich girls. Although, she does threaten back and stand up for herself when prompted....