Those who admired Hall saw him as a symbol of resistance against the oppressive British colonial rule. They believed that he was fighting for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged, and that he was a victim of the harsh social conditions of the time. They also admired his bravery and his skill as a bushranger.
Those who did not admire Hall saw him as a dangerous criminal who should be brought to justice. They believed that he was a menace to society and that his actions were inexcusable. They also felt that he was a threat to the establishment and the rule of law.
The division of opinions about Ben Hall reflected the wider social and political divisions that existed in Australian society at the time. The bush, with its lawlessness and violence, was seen by many as a place of freedom and opportunity, while the city, with its institutions and social order, was seen as a place of repression and control. Hall was a symbol of the bush and its values, and his death marked the end of an era.