Poem Analysis - Been There Before

A Clever Trickster in the Outback

Banjo Paterson's "Been There Before" is a lighthearted and humorous poem that tells the story of a stranger who attempts to outsmart the locals of Walgett, only to find himself outsmarted in return. The poem is characterized by its playful tone and a sense of ironic amusement. While the stranger initially appears confident, his arrogance quickly gives way to surprise and eventual defeat. The poem’s narrative is straightforward, but it delivers a satisfying twist that underscores the wily nature of experience.

The Outback Setting: A Crucible of Character

While specific historical context isn't overtly present, the poem is steeped in the spirit of the Australian outback. Banjo Paterson was known for his bush ballads, celebrating the character and resilience of Australians living in rural areas. The setting of Walgett, a remote town on the Darling River, is crucial. The isolation and harshness of the environment likely fostered a close-knit community, wary of outsiders. The dry landscape ("saltbush plain," "open down") is not just scenery, but shapes the challenge the stranger faces, setting the stage for the clever resolution.

Outwitting the Outsider: A Theme of Local Knowledge

One of the main themes is the triumph of local knowledge over outsider arrogance. The stranger believes he can easily "take those yokels down," underestimating their intelligence and familiarity with their environment. He assumes that because he knows the distance across the river, he can win the bet. However, he fails to account for the lack of stones, a fact well-known to the locals. The poem highlights the value of practical experience and the ability to adapt to one's surroundings. The poem subtly praises the Walgett residents for their quick wit and their ability to use the stranger's hubris against him.

Hubris and Humiliation: A Study in Ironic Defeat

Another significant theme is the fall of hubris, demonstrated by the stranger's overconfidence. He arrives in Walgett believing himself to be superior to the locals, only to be proven wrong. The image of him "smiling a smile" before realizing the lack of stones sharply contrasts with his later discomfiture as the "yokels laughed at his hopes o’erthrown." The stranger's reliance on his own intellect and his underestimation of the community's collective wisdom ultimately lead to his humiliation. The poem suggests that arrogance is a dangerous trait, especially when confronted with the resourcefulness of a community deeply connected to its environment.

The Stone: A Symbol of Forethought and Deception

The most potent symbol is the stone itself. Initially, the absence of stones represents an insurmountable obstacle for the stranger. It signifies the cunning of the locals who set a seemingly impossible challenge. However, the stone he pulls from his pocket is an emblem of prior knowledge. It reveals his history and the fact that this trip to Walgett isn't his first. Did the locals know this all along? Was this a calculated deception on their part, or a self-fulfilling prophecy triggered by the stranger's previous experiences in Walgett? The poem leaves some ambiguity here, allowing for the possibility that the stranger unwittingly walked into a trap of his own making.

A Lesson Learned in Walgett: A Final Reflection

In conclusion, "Been There Before" is a delightful poem that celebrates the wit and resourcefulness of the Australian outback community. It explores themes of local knowledge, the downfall of arrogance, and the power of experience. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its simple yet effective narrative, its vivid imagery, and its playful tone. The final image of the stranger producing the stone leaves us pondering the true nature of his relationship with Walgett, suggesting a deeper history and a complex interplay of knowledge and deception. The poem serves as a reminder that overconfidence can be easily undone by those who are deeply connected to their environment and their community.