Many convicts were transported for petty crimes while a significant number were political prisoners. More serious crimes, such as rape and murder, were punishable by death, and therefore not transportable offences. Once emancipated, most ex-convicts stayed in Australia and joined the free settlers, with some rising to prominent positions in Australian society. However, the so-called "convict stain" would be a source of shame until well into the 20th century, contributing to Australia's "distinct ambivalence" towards its own history. Attitudes have since become more accepting and it is now considered by many Australians to be a cause for celebration to have a convict in one's lineage. The convict era has inspired famous novels, films and other cultural works, and the extent to which it has shaped Australia's national character has been studied by many writers and historians.[2]