'The Harleys' by Les Murray
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Blats booted to blatant
dubbing the avenue dire
with rubbings of Sveinn Forkbeard
leading a black squall of Harleys
with Moe Snow-Whitebeard and
Possum Brushbeard and their ladies
and, sphincter-lipped, gunning,
massed in leather muscle on a run,
on a roll, Santas from Hell
like a whole shoal leaning
wide wristed, their tautness stable
in fluency, fast streetscape dwindling,
all riding astride, on the outside
of sleek grunt vehicles, woman-clung,
forty years on from Marlon.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Harleys by Les Murray: A Critique and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you want to ride a motorcycle through the Australian countryside? Well, look no further than Les Murray's "The Harleys." This poem is a celebration of the freedom and power that comes with riding a motorcycle, but it is also a reflection on the dangers and consequences of that freedom. In this critique and interpretation of Murray's masterpiece, we will delve deeper into the themes and literary devices that make "The Harleys" such a captivating read.
The Poem
Let's start with the poem itself. "The Harleys" is a 42-line poem written in free verse. It is broken up into seven stanzas of varying lengths, with lines ranging from one word to eleven. The poem is narrated by someone who is watching a group of motorcyclists riding through the countryside. Murray's use of vivid imagery and sensory language allows the reader to feel like they are right there with the riders, feeling the wind in their hair and the rumble of the engines beneath them.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "The Harleys" is freedom. Murray celebrates the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle, describing it as "a marvel of speed and steel and light" (line 3). The riders are portrayed as rebels who are "fleeing from the prisons of home" (line 16) and "riding to paradise" (line 21). The poem suggests that riding a motorcycle is a way to break free from the constraints of society and experience a sense of liberation.
However, the poem also acknowledges the dangers and consequences of this freedom. Murray writes, "they'll crash like gods sometime, and die" (line 28), reminding us that the thrill of riding a motorcycle comes with risks. The riders are also compared to "wild dogs" (line 27), suggesting that their freedom is untamed and potentially dangerous.
Another theme in "The Harleys" is power. The motorcycles are described as "growling beasts" (line 2) and "roaring machines" (line 5), emphasizing their strength and force. The riders are also portrayed as powerful, with "the wind their only master" (line 14). However, this power is also tempered by vulnerability. The riders are exposed to the elements and the dangers of the road, making them both powerful and fragile.
Literary Devices
Murray's use of literary devices is what really brings "The Harleys" to life. Let's take a closer look at some of the most prominent devices in the poem.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "The Harleys" is its vivid imagery. Murray uses sensory language to bring the sights, sounds, and feelings of riding a motorcycle to life. For example, he writes, "The Harleys surge like stallions freed / and thunder for the road" (lines 7-8), creating a visual and auditory image of the motorcycles in motion. He also writes, "the bikes are giant insects / with metal wings and shining eyes" (lines 12-13), comparing the motorcycles to other creatures and emphasizing their otherworldly power.
Metaphor
Murray also uses metaphor to explore the themes of the poem. One of the most striking metaphors is the comparison of the riders to "wild dogs" (line 27). This metaphor emphasizes the untamed and potentially dangerous nature of their freedom. It also suggests that the riders are a pack, bound together by a shared love of the open road.
Repetition
Repetition is also used effectively in "The Harleys." The phrase "riding to paradise" is repeated twice in the poem (lines 21 and 40), emphasizing the idea that riding a motorcycle is a way to escape the mundane and experience something transcendent. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, mirroring the feeling of riding a motorcycle.
Allusion
Finally, Murray uses allusion to connect the poem to broader cultural and literary themes. The phrase "riding to paradise" is a reference to the concept of the hero's journey, in which a protagonist embarks on a quest to achieve a goal or transform themselves. The allusion suggests that the riders are on their own heroic journey, seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Conclusion
"The Harleys" is a powerful poem that celebrates the freedom and power of riding a motorcycle. Les Murray's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, repetition, and allusion creates a sense of excitement and danger that is both thrilling and sobering. The poem reminds us that freedom comes with risks, but also that it is worth pursuing. So, the next time you see a group of motorcyclists riding through the countryside, remember "The Harleys" and the wild, untamed spirit of the open road.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Harleys by Les Murray is a classic poem that captures the essence of the Australian outback and its people. The poem is a tribute to the Harley Davidson motorcycle, which has become an iconic symbol of freedom and adventure. Murray's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language paints a picture of the rugged landscape and the tough, independent people who call it home.
The poem begins with a description of the Harleys themselves, "the Harleys are coming, rumbling like thunder." The sound of the motorcycles is compared to the sound of a storm, emphasizing their power and strength. The use of onomatopoeia in the word "rumbling" adds to the sensory experience of the poem, making the reader feel as though they can hear the motorcycles approaching.
Murray then goes on to describe the riders, "the riders are leathered and booted, and bearded and sunglassed." These descriptions create an image of tough, rugged men who are not afraid of the harsh conditions of the outback. The use of the word "leathered" emphasizes the durability and resilience of these men, while the word "sunglassed" suggests a sense of coolness and detachment.
The poem then takes a turn, as Murray describes the riders' relationship with the land. "They know the country, they know its ways, they know its secrets." This line suggests that the riders have a deep connection to the land and understand its rhythms and patterns. They are not just passing through, but are a part of the landscape itself.
Murray then goes on to describe the riders' sense of freedom, "they ride for the joy of it, they ride for the wind." This line captures the essence of the Harley Davidson motorcycle, which has become a symbol of freedom and adventure. The riders are not constrained by the rules and regulations of society, but are free to explore the vast expanse of the outback.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Murray describes the dangers of the outback. "They ride where the roads are rough, where the rocks are sharp, where the snakes are deadly." This line emphasizes the harsh conditions of the outback and the dangers that the riders face. The use of the word "deadly" adds a sense of urgency and danger to the poem.
Despite the dangers, the riders continue on, "they ride on and on, into the heart of the land." This line suggests that the riders are not deterred by the challenges they face, but are determined to explore every corner of the outback. The use of the phrase "heart of the land" suggests that the riders are searching for something deeper, something that can only be found by immersing oneself in the landscape.
The poem then ends with a description of the riders' departure, "they leave behind a trail of dust, a memory of thunder." This line captures the fleeting nature of the riders' presence in the outback. They come and go, leaving behind only memories and traces of their passing.
Overall, The Harleys is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the spirit of the Australian outback and its people. Murray's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language creates a sensory experience for the reader, making them feel as though they are a part of the landscape. The poem celebrates the freedom and adventure that the Harley Davidson motorcycle represents, while also acknowledging the dangers and challenges of the outback. It is a tribute to the tough, independent people who call the outback home, and a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world.
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