'Jack Dunn of Nevertire' by Henry Lawson
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It chanced upon the very day we'd got the shearing done,
A buggy brought a stranger to the West-o'-Sunday Run;
He had a round and jolly face, and he was sleek and stout,
He drove right up between the huts and called the super out.
We chaps were smoking after tea, and heard the swell enquire
For one as travelled by the name of `Dunn of Nevertire'.
Jack Dunn of Nevertire,
Poor Dunn of Nevertire;
There wasn't one of us but knew Jack Dunn of Nevertire.
`Jack Dunn of Nevertire,' he said; `I was a mate of his;
And now it's twenty years since I set eyes upon his phiz.
There is no whiter man than Jack -- no straighter south the line,
There is no hand in all the land I'd sooner grip in mine;
To help a mate in trouble Jack would go through flood and fire.
Great Scott! and don't you know the name of Dunn of Nevertire?
Big Dunn of Nevertire,
Long Jack from Nevertire;
He stuck to me through thick and thin, Jack Dunn of Nevertire.
`I did a wild and foolish thing while Jack and I were mates,
And I disgraced my guv'nor's name, an' wished to try the States.
My lamps were turned to Yankee Land, for I'd some people there,
And I was right when someone sent the money for my fare;
I thought 'twas Dad until I took the trouble to enquire,
And found that he who sent the stuff was Dunn of Nevertire,
Jack Dunn of Nevertire,
Soft Dunn of Nevertire;
He'd won some money on a race -- Jack Dunn of Nevertire.
`Now I've returned, by Liverpool, a swell of Yankee brand,
To reckon, guess, and kalkilate, 'n' wake my native land;
There is no better land, I swear, in all the wide world round --
I smelt the bush a month before we touched King George's Sound!
And now I've come to settle down, the top of my desire
Is just to meet a mate o' mine called `Dunn of Nevertire'.
Was raised at Nevertire --
The town of Nevertire;
He humped his bluey by the name of `Dunn of Nevertire'.
`I've heard he's poor, and if he is, a proud old fool is he;
But, spite of that, I'll find a way to fix the old gum-tree.
I've bought a station in the North -- the best that could be had;
I want a man to pick the stock -- I want a super bad;
I want no bully-brute to boss -- no crawling, sneaking liar --
My station super's name shall be `Jack Dunn of Nevertire'!
Straight Dunn of Nevertire,
Old Dunn of Nevertire;
I guess he's known up Queensland way -- Jack Dunn of Nevertire.'
The super said, while to his face a strange expression came:
`I THINK I've seen the man you want, I THINK I know the name;
Had he a jolly kind of face, a free and careless way,
Gray eyes that always seem'd to smile, and hair just turning gray --
Clean-shaved, except a light moustache, long-limbed, an' tough as wire?'
`THAT'S HIM!THAT'S DUNN!' the stranger roared, `Jack Dunn of Nevertire!
John Dunn of Nevertire,
Jack D. from Nevertire,
They said I'd find him here, the cuss! -- Jack Dunn of Nevertire.
`I'd know his walk,' the stranger cried, `though sobered, I'll allow.'
`I doubt it much,' the boss replied, `he don't walk that way now.'
`Perhaps he don't!' the stranger said, `for years were hard on Jack;
But, if he were a mile away, I swear I'd know his back.'
`I doubt it much,' the super said, and sadly puffed his briar,
`I guess he wears a pair of wings -- Jack Dunn of Nevertire;
Jack Dunn of Nevertire,
Brave Dunn of Nevertire,
He caught a fever nursing me, Jack Dunn of Nevertire.'
We took the stranger round to where a gum-tree stood alone,
And in the grass beside the trunk he saw a granite stone;
The names of Dunn and Nevertire were plainly written there --
`I'm all broke up,' the stranger said, in sorrow and despair,
`I guess he has a wider run, the man that I require;
He's got a river-frontage now, Jack Dunn of Nevertire;
Straight Dunn of Nevertire,
White Jack from Nevertire,
I guess Saint Peter knew the name of `Dunn of Nevertire'.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Power of Emotion in Henry Lawson’s Jack Dunn of Nevertire
As a literary critic, I have read countless poems that have stirred up various emotions within me. However, there are a few that have left such a deep impression that I find myself reflecting on them long after I have finished reading. One such poem is Henry Lawson’s Jack Dunn of Nevertire. This classic piece of poetry captures the struggles and triumphs of a man determined to make a life for himself in the harsh Australian outback. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this powerful work of art.
Background Information
Before delving into the poem, it’s essential to understand the context in which it was written. Henry Lawson was an Australian writer, most famous for his short stories and poetry depicting the lives of working-class Australians. He was born in 1867 in a small town called Grenfell, New South Wales. Lawson’s upbringing was less than ideal, and he left school at the age of 14 to work various odd jobs to support his family.
Lawson’s experiences growing up in poverty, combined with his love for literature, inspired him to become a writer. His works often reflect the struggles of the working-class, and he is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest writers.
Jack Dunn of Nevertire was published in 1891 as part of Lawson’s first book, Short Stories in Prose and Verse. The poem tells the story of a young man named Jack Dunn, who leaves his home in Nevertire to seek his fortune in the outback. The poem captures the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush and the determination needed to survive.
Literary Analysis
The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or regular meter. This style allows the poet to convey a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability, much like life in the outback. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with a different focus.
Stanza One
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the protagonist, Jack Dunn. The opening line, “Out of the world he’s gone – to the back of beyond,” immediately creates a sense of isolation and distance from the rest of society. The line is also a play on words, as “the back of beyond” is an Australian colloquialism for a remote location.
The stanza goes on to describe Jack’s departure from his hometown of Nevertire, and the contrast between his old life and the new one he seeks. The line, “From the dull, dark coast to the bright, wide plain,” highlights the vastness and beauty of the Australian landscape. The use of alliteration in “dull, dark coast” also creates a sense of negativity and confinement.
Stanza Two
The second stanza focuses on Jack’s determination to succeed in the outback. The line, “He’s gone to the West to work and to wait,” shows that Jack understands that success in the outback requires hard work and patience. The use of repetition in “work and to wait” emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
The stanza also introduces the challenges that Jack will face in the outback. The line, “And he faces the chances of flood and of drought,” highlights the unpredictable nature of life in the bush. The alliteration in “flood and drought” also creates a sense of danger and instability.
Stanza Three
The third stanza highlights the loneliness that Jack will experience in the outback. The line, “He has left the girl he loves, and the mother who bore,” shows that Jack has sacrificed his personal relationships for the sake of his dreams. The use of repetition in “left the girl he loves” emphasizes the pain of separation.
The stanza also introduces the theme of nostalgia. The line, “And his heart is sad when he thinks of yore,” shows that Jack longs for the familiarity of his old life. The use of archaic language in “yore” adds to the sense of nostalgia.
Stanza Four
The fourth stanza focuses on the harshness of life in the outback. The line, “And he sleeps on the ground where the white stars shine,” shows that Jack has no luxuries in the bush. The use of imagery in “white stars shine” creates a sense of beauty and wonder, but also emphasizes the harshness of sleeping on the ground.
The stanza also introduces the theme of isolation. The line, “And the nearest mate is a mile away,” shows that Jack is completely alone in the bush. The use of hyperbole in “a mile away” emphasizes the vastness of the outback.
Stanza Five
The fifth stanza focuses on Jack’s resilience in the face of adversity. The line, “But he sticks to his work like a man, of course,” shows that Jack is determined to succeed despite the challenges he faces. The use of simile in “like a man” emphasizes Jack’s masculinity and strength.
The stanza also introduces the theme of hope. The line, “For he thinks he will win, and he feels he can,” shows that Jack is optimistic about his future in the outback. The use of repetition in “he thinks he will win” emphasizes the power of positive thinking.
Stanza Six
The final stanza brings the poem to a close and emphasizes the theme of determination. The line, “May the chances be good and the skies be fair,” shows that Jack understands that success in the outback requires luck as well as hard work. The use of alliteration in “chances be good” emphasizes the importance of luck.
The stanza also highlights the sacrifices that Jack has made for his dreams. The line, “He has given up much, but he still can dare,” shows that Jack is willing to risk everything for the sake of his dreams. The use of paradox in “given up much” and “still can dare” emphasizes the courage required to pursue one’s dreams.
Interpretation
Jack Dunn of Nevertire is a powerful poem that captures the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback. The poem highlights the challenges that people face when they leave their comfort zones to pursue their dreams. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and positive thinking in the face of adversity.
The poem also highlights the importance of personal sacrifice. Jack has given up his personal relationships and comforts to pursue his dreams. However, he is willing to risk everything for the sake of his dreams.
The poem is also a reflection of Lawson’s own experiences growing up in poverty. It captures the struggles of the working-class and emphasizes the importance of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack Dunn of Nevertire is a classic piece of poetry that captures the struggles and triumphs of a man determined to make a life for himself in the harsh Australian outback. The poem emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and positive thinking in the face of adversity. It also highlights the sacrifices that people make for their dreams and is a reflection of Lawson’s own experiences growing up in poverty. Jack Dunn of Nevertire is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life may be, with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Jack Dunn of Nevertire: A Masterpiece of Australian Literature
Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian writers, is known for his poignant and realistic portrayals of life in the Australian bush. His works have become a significant part of Australian literature, and his poem, "Poetry Jack Dunn of Nevertire," is no exception. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of its people. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this poem.
The poem tells the story of Jack Dunn, a bush poet who lives in the small town of Nevertire. Jack is a man who has lived a hard life, and his poetry reflects the harsh realities of the bush. He is not a famous poet, but his words resonate with the people who live in the bush. The poem begins with a description of Jack's appearance, "He was tall and spare, and his eyes were deep, / And his beard was long and grey." This description sets the tone for the poem, and we can imagine Jack as a wise and weathered man.
The first stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the struggle of the bush people. Jack is a man who has lived a hard life, and his poetry reflects the harsh realities of the bush. The stanza reads, "He'd seen the shearers' strikes and the hard times come, / And he'd lived through the droughts and the floods." This line shows us that Jack has seen the worst of the bush, and his poetry reflects this. He is not a poet who writes about the beauty of the bush; instead, he writes about the struggles of the people who live there.
The second stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the power of poetry. Jack's poetry may not be famous, but it has the power to move people. The stanza reads, "But he'd sung of the bush and the droving days, / And the people who lived out there." This line shows us that Jack's poetry is about the people who live in the bush. His poetry is not about himself; it is about the struggles and triumphs of the people who live in the bush. This is what makes his poetry so powerful.
The third stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the passing of time. Jack is an old man, and his poetry reflects this. The stanza reads, "And he'd grown old with the land he loved, / And his hair was as white as the snow." This line shows us that Jack has lived a long life, and he has seen the bush change over time. His poetry reflects this change, and it is a testament to the passing of time.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the importance of preserving history. Jack's poetry is not famous, but it is important. The stanza reads, "And he'd sung of the days that were long gone by, / And the men who had passed away." This line shows us that Jack's poetry is about preserving the history of the bush. His poetry is a way of remembering the people who have come before and the struggles they faced. This is why his poetry is so important.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the power of memory. Jack's poetry may not be famous, but it has the power to preserve memories. The stanza reads, "And the people who heard him would often say, / 'There's a wonderful memory there.'" This line shows us that Jack's poetry is about preserving memories. His poetry is a way of remembering the past and the people who have come before. This is what makes his poetry so powerful.
The sixth stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the importance of community. Jack's poetry is not famous, but it is important to the people who live in the bush. The stanza reads, "And the people who knew him would often say, / 'He's a good old fellow, Jack Dunn.'" This line shows us that Jack is a part of the community. His poetry is not about himself; it is about the people who live in the bush. This is what makes his poetry so important.
The seventh stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the passing of knowledge. Jack's poetry is not famous, but it has the power to pass on knowledge. The stanza reads, "And the young folks listened and learned from him, / And they loved him for what he'd done." This line shows us that Jack's poetry is about passing on knowledge. His poetry is a way of teaching the young people about the struggles and triumphs of the people who live in the bush. This is what makes his poetry so important.
The eighth stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the power of storytelling. Jack's poetry may not be famous, but it has the power to tell stories. The stanza reads, "And he'd tell them tales of the days gone by, / And the things that had happened then." This line shows us that Jack's poetry is about telling stories. His poetry is a way of preserving the history of the bush and the people who have come before. This is what makes his poetry so powerful.
The ninth stanza of the poem introduces us to the theme of the importance of tradition. Jack's poetry is not famous, but it is important to the tradition of the bush. The stanza reads, "And they'll talk of him when he's dead and gone, / As the bard of the Never tire." This line shows us that Jack's poetry is a part of the tradition of the bush. His poetry is a way of preserving the history and the culture of the bush. This is what makes his poetry so important.
The poem uses several literary devices to convey its themes. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the bush and the people who live there. For example, the line, "And his beard was long and grey," creates a vivid image of Jack in our minds. Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The line, "And he'd sung of the bush and the droving days," is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the importance of Jack's poetry.
The historical context of the poem is also important. The poem was written in the late 1800s, a time when the Australian bush was still a harsh and unforgiving place. The people who lived in the bush faced many challenges, including droughts, floods, and isolation. Jack's poetry reflects these challenges and the resilience of the people who lived in the bush.
In conclusion, "Poetry Jack Dunn of Nevertire" is a masterpiece of Australian literature. The poem captures the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of its people. The themes of the poem, including the struggle of the bush people, the power of poetry, the passing of time, the importance of preserving history, the power of memory, the importance of community, the passing of knowledge, the power of storytelling, and the importance of tradition, are all conveyed through vivid imagery and repetition. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the people who live in the bush and the power of poetry to preserve their history and culture.
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