Poem Analysis - An Answer To Various Bards

A Bushman's Defense: Introducing Paterson's Response

Banjo Paterson's "An answer to Various Bards" is a spirited and humorous rebuttal to the gloomy portrayals of Australian bush life offered by poets like Henry Lawson. The poem begins with a tone of playful exasperation, gently mocking the overly dramatic and melancholic verses about the outback. It gradually shifts to a more affirmative and patriotic stance, celebrating the resilience and inherent appeal of the bush and its inhabitants. The poem ends with a blend of irony and hope, acknowledging the lure of city life while clinging to the dream of returning to the droving life.

Contextualizing the Debate: Bush Life vs. City Life

The poem directly engages with a prominent literary debate of the late 19th century in Australia. Paterson was responding to the prevailing trend of writers, most notably Henry Lawson, depicting the harsh realities of life in the bush, focusing on poverty, hardship, and death. Paterson, often considered a more romantic and nationalistic writer, presented a contrasting view, emphasizing the beauty, freedom, and opportunities found in the outback. The social circumstances of the time, with Australia undergoing urbanization and grappling with its national identity, fuelled this literary divide about the true character of the Australian experience.

Theme 1: Challenging Romantic Melancholy

One of the central themes is Paterson's challenge to the romanticized melancholy prevalent in the works of poets like Lawson. He uses sarcasm to critique their focus on "corpses" and "the tomb," suggesting that such morbid depictions are an exaggeration of bush life. The lines "But you know they're fond of writing about 'corpses' and 'the tomb'" and "the sad and soulful poet with a graveyard of his own" highlight Paterson's disdain for what he perceives as excessive gloom. He urges these poets to "take something for their livers, and be cheerful for a change," advocating for a more balanced perspective.

Theme 2: The Idealization of the Bushman

Another dominant theme is the idealization of the Australian bushman as a figure of strength, resilience, and independence. Paterson openly admits that he "always see[s] the hero in the 'man from furthest out.'" This contrasts sharply with Lawson's portrayal of bushmen as often downtrodden and defeated. The poem celebrates the bushman's inherent connection to the land and his yearning for the freedom of the outback, even when he is trapped in the city. The lines, "Yet the man who's born a bushman, he gets mighty sick of town, / For he's jotting down the figures, and he's adding up the bills / While his heart is simply aching for a sight of Southern hills," exemplify this theme.

Theme 3: The Conflict Between Rural and Urban Life

The poem also explores the conflict between the perceived authenticity of rural life and the comforts and compromises of urban existence. While acknowledging the hardships of the bush, Paterson suggests that there is a spiritual emptiness in the city, where people "lose the love of roving, and we learn to hate the bush." The contrast between the "dusty little table and the papers in the rack" and the memory of the "woolshed rang with bustle from the dawning of the day" underscores this tension. The final stanzas reveal a sense of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges the shift towards city life but retains a nostalgic yearning for the droving days.

Symbols and Imagery: The Woolshed, the Southern Hills, and Vermilion Bars

Recurring symbols and vivid images play a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes. The woolshed represents the heart of the bushman's world, a place of hard work, camaraderie, and connection to the land. The "Southern hills" symbolize freedom, escape, and a sense of belonging. The "vermilion bars" of Sydney pubs represent the allure of city life, a temporary distraction from the deeper longing for the bush. The contrasting imagery of the "golden sunshine" and "damp and dismal" landscapes reinforces the debate between romantic and realistic views of the Australian outback.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lasting Debate

In conclusion, "An answer to Various Bards" is more than just a rebuttal; it is a passionate defense of a particular vision of Australian identity. While acknowledging the hardships of bush life, Paterson emphasizes its inherent appeal and the enduring spirit of the bushman. The poem's lasting significance lies in its contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature of the Australian experience, a debate that continues to resonate in contemporary society. Paterson's poem leaves us pondering: what price do we pay when we trade the rugged authenticity of the bush for the comfortable predictability of the city?