'The Ballad Of The Drover' by Henry Lawson
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Across the stony ridges,
Across the rolling plain,
Young Harry Dale, the drover,
Comes riding home again.
And well his stock-horse bears him,
And light of heart is he,
And stoutly his old pack-horse
Is trotting by his knee.
Up Queensland way with cattle
He travelled regions vast;
And many months have vanished
Since home-folk saw him last.
He hums a song of someone
He hopes to marry soon;
And hobble-chains and camp-ware
Keep jingling to the tune.
Beyond the hazy dado
Against the lower skies
And yon blue line of ranges
The homestead station lies.
And thitherward the drover
Jogs through the lazy noon,
While hobble-chains and camp-ware
Are jingling to a tune.
An hour has filled the heavens
With storm-clouds inky black;
At times the lightning trickles
Around the drover's track;
But Harry pushes onward,
His horses' strength he tries,
In hope to reach the river
Before the flood shall rise.
The thunder from above him
Goes rolling o'er the plain;
And down on thirsty pastures
In torrents falls the rain.
And every creek and gully
Sends forth its little flood,
Till the river runs a banker,
All stained with yellow mud.
Now Harry speaks to Rover,
The best dog on the plains,
And to his hardy horses,
And strokes their shaggy manes;
‘We've breasted bigger rivers
When floods were at their height
Nor shall this gutter stop us
From getting home to-night!'
The thunder growls a warning,
The ghastly lightnings gleam,
As the drover turns his horses
To swim the fatal stream.
But, oh! the flood runs stronger
Than e'er it ran before;
The saddle-horse is failing,
And only half-way o'er!
When flashes next the lightning,
The flood's grey breast is blank,
And a cattle dog and pack-horse
Are struggling up the bank.
But in the lonely homestead
The girl will wait in vain—
He'll never pass the stations
In charge of stock again.
The faithful dog a moment
Sits panting on the bank,
And then swims through the current
To where his master sank.
And round and round in circles
He fights with failing strength,
Till, borne down by the waters,
The old dog sinks at length.
Across the flooded lowlands
And slopes of sodden loam
The pack-horse struggles onward,
To take dumb tidings home.
And mud-stained, wet, and weary,
Through ranges dark goes he;
While hobble-chains and tinware
Are sounding eerily.
. . . . .
The floods are in the ocean,
The stream is clear again,
And now a verdant carpet
Is stretched across the plain.
But someone's eyes are saddened,
And someone's heart still bleeds
In sorrow for the drover
Who sleeps among the reeds.
Submitted by Maddy
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ballad of the Drover: An Impressive Poetic Narrative
As I perused through the many literary works of Henry Lawson, I came across a remarkable piece that caught my attention - The Ballad of the Drover. This classic poem paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback during the late 19th century. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into this impressive poetic narrative, analyzing the themes, the style, the structure, and the symbolism used in the poem.
Background information
Before we dive into the poem, it is important to have some background information on the author and the setting of the story. Henry Lawson was a renowned Australian writer born in Grenfell, New South Wales, in 1867. He is considered one of the most significant figures in Australian literature and is known for his realistic portrayals of rural life in Australia.
The Ballad of the Drover is set in the Australian outback during the late 19th century. The outback is a vast and harsh landscape characterized by extreme weather conditions, sparse vegetation, and a rugged terrain. The drover in the poem refers to a person who is responsible for driving a herd of cattle or sheep over long distances, often for weeks or months.
Themes
The Ballad of the Drover explores several themes, including isolation, identity, and the harsh realities of life in the outback. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is isolation. The drover is portrayed as a lonely figure who spends long periods of time away from civilization. He is cut off from his family, friends, and the comforts of modern life. This sense of isolation is emphasized by the repetitive refrain, "And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, and at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars."
The theme of identity is also explored in the poem. The drover struggles to define himself outside of his role as a drover. He feels a sense of pride in his work, but also a sense of longing for a different kind of life. This is evident in the lines, "For the drover's life has pleasures that the townsfolk never know," and "But his heart is in the failure that his feet have stumbled over, and he longs to be the careless, sunny-hearted rover."
Finally, the harsh realities of life in the outback are a recurring theme throughout the poem. The drover is constantly battling the elements, including drought, dust storms, and the scorching sun. He must also contend with the dangers posed by wild animals and the rough terrain. This is reflected in the lines, "And the plains are hot and dusty, and the skies are brass and grey," and "And the river's banks are treacherous, and the crossings deadly traps."
Style
The Ballad of the Drover is written in the style of a ballad, a type of poem that is meant to be sung or recited. The poem is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme and rhythm are regular, with an ABAB rhyme scheme and a simple iambic meter. This gives the poem a musical quality that is well-suited to its subject matter.
The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, reflecting the no-nonsense attitude of the drover. The poem is also filled with colloquialisms and regional expressions that give it an authentic feel. For example, the drover is described as a "sun-browned bushman" and his dog is referred to as a "mate."
The repetition of the refrain, "And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, and at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars," gives the poem a sense of unity and continuity. It also emphasizes the drover's connection to the land and the natural world.
Structure
The structure of The Ballad of the Drover is simple yet effective. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The first three stanzas describe the drover's journey and his relationship with his dog. The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the drover's thoughts and feelings, while the fifth stanza describes his encounter with an Aboriginal man. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the drover's journey and his connection to the land.
The use of repetition in the poem also contributes to its structure. The refrain is repeated at the end of each stanza, providing a sense of continuity and unity. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "But his heart is in the failure that his feet have stumbled over," emphasizes the drover's struggles and his determination to keep going.
Symbolism
The Ballad of the Drover makes use of several symbols to convey its themes and message. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the drover's dog. The dog represents the drover's only companion and serves as a loyal and faithful friend. The drover's relationship with his dog is a reflection of his isolation and his longing for companionship.
Another symbol used in the poem is the Aboriginal man the drover encounters. The Aboriginal man represents the Indigenous people who were displaced and mistreated by European settlers during this period. The drover's interaction with the Aboriginal man highlights the themes of identity and the harsh realities of life in the outback.
Finally, the land itself is a powerful symbol in the poem. The land represents the drover's connection to his culture and his identity. The refrain, "And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, and at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars," emphasizes the beauty and majesty of the land and the drover's deep connection to it.
Conclusion
The Ballad of the Drover is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback during the late 19th century. Through its exploration of themes such as isolation, identity, and the harsh realities of life in the outback, the poem provides a vivid and compelling portrait of a way of life that is both challenging and rewarding.
The poem's style, structure, and use of symbolism all contribute to its impact and effectiveness. The simple yet musical language, the regular rhyme and rhythm, and the repetition of the refrain all serve to emphasize the poem's themes and message. The use of symbols such as the drover's dog, the Aboriginal man, and the land itself, provide a rich and layered reading experience.
Overall, The Ballad of the Drover is a classic poem that stands as a testament to the enduring power of Australian literature. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating period in Australian history, this poem is well worth reading and reflecting upon.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ballad of the Drover: A Classic Poem by Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson, one of Australia's most celebrated poets, wrote The Ballad of the Drover in 1892. This classic poem tells the story of a drover, a man who drives cattle across vast distances, and his faithful dog, who both face the harsh realities of the Australian outback. The poem is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the Australian bush and the people who live and work there.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the drover and his dog, who are travelling through the bush. The drover is a tough, weather-beaten man, who is used to the harsh conditions of the outback. He is accompanied by his dog, who is his constant companion and loyal friend. The poem sets the scene for the story that is about to unfold, and the reader is immediately drawn into the world of the drover and his dog.
As the drover and his dog continue their journey, they encounter a number of challenges and obstacles. They must cross rivers and creeks, navigate through dense scrub and bushland, and deal with the unpredictable weather conditions. The poem captures the sense of danger and uncertainty that the drover and his dog face as they make their way through the bush.
One of the most striking aspects of The Ballad of the Drover is the way in which it portrays the relationship between the drover and his dog. The dog is not just a pet or a working animal; he is a true companion to the drover, and the two share a deep bond. The poem describes how the dog is always by the drover's side, and how he is willing to risk his own life to protect his master. This relationship is a powerful symbol of the loyalty and companionship that can exist between humans and animals.
The poem also explores the theme of isolation and loneliness. The drover is a solitary figure, who spends most of his time travelling through the bush with only his dog for company. He is cut off from the rest of society, and the poem suggests that this isolation can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the drover is free to live his life on his own terms, without the constraints of society. On the other hand, he is cut off from the comforts and companionship of other people, and this can be a lonely and difficult existence.
Another important theme of the poem is the harshness of life in the Australian bush. The drover and his dog face a constant struggle to survive in this unforgiving environment, and the poem captures the sense of hardship and adversity that they must overcome. The poem describes how the drover must battle against the elements, and how he must be constantly vigilant to protect himself and his cattle from danger. This theme of hardship and adversity is a recurring motif in Australian literature, and it reflects the reality of life in the outback.
The Ballad of the Drover is also notable for its use of language and imagery. Lawson's writing is vivid and evocative, and he uses a range of techniques to bring the Australian bush to life. He describes the landscape in rich detail, using words and phrases that capture the unique character of the outback. He also uses imagery to create a sense of movement and action, and the poem is full of vivid descriptions of the drover and his dog as they make their way through the bush.
In conclusion, The Ballad of the Drover is a classic poem that captures the spirit of the Australian bush and the people who live and work there. It is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the challenges and hardships that the drover and his dog face as they make their way through this unforgiving landscape. The poem is also notable for its exploration of themes such as loyalty, companionship, isolation, and hardship, which are all central to the Australian experience. Overall, The Ballad of the Drover is a masterpiece of Australian literature, and it remains a beloved and enduring work to this day.
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