Poem Analysis - Boots

Banjo Paterson’s “Boots” is a patriotic and somewhat humorous reflection on the Australian identity as forged in the crucible of World War I. The poem uses the symbol of the Australian military boot to represent the nation's spirit of resilience, camaraderie, and understated courage. The tone begins with a lighthearted recounting of diverse travel experiences before shifting to a more serious, though still wry, observation of Australian soldiers' role on the Western Front. While acknowledging the contributions of other Allied forces, the poem ultimately celebrates the distinctiveness and enduring quality of the Australian character as embodied in their boots.

A Nation Forged in Khaki

While the poem doesn't explicitly detail the historical context, understanding World War I and Australia's involvement is crucial. Australia, then a relatively young nation, eagerly participated in the war as part of the British Empire. The poem subtly touches upon the stereotype of Australians as unconventional and perhaps even undisciplined soldiers, a perception challenged by their undeniable effectiveness on the battlefield. Paterson’s background as a journalist and his own experiences during the war likely informed his perspective, lending authenticity to the portrayal of Australian soldiers.

Resilience and the Underdog Spirit

One of the poem's central themes is the resilience of the Australian soldiers. The opening stanza, detailing travels "per Joe Gardiner" and "per superior motor car," establishes a spirit of adaptability and resourcefulness. However, the shift to "good Australian boots" in Germany emphasizes a return to basics, a reliance on something simple and dependable in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Even without fancy equipment (“Ford or Rolls de Royce”), they persevered. This resilience is further highlighted by the line, "You could track us past the shell holes, and the tracks were all one way," indicating unwavering determination in the face of adversity. The "raw recruits" who are underestimated demonstrate grit and resolve beyond expectations.

National Identity Through Shared Experience

The theme of national identity is woven throughout the poem, particularly in the contrast between how the Australians were perceived ("mad Australians," "reckless," "wild") and their actual performance. The camaraderie amongst the ranks ("How officers and men could fraternise") is presented as a uniquely Australian trait, one that foreigners struggle to comprehend. The "good Australian military boots" become a symbol of this shared identity, a common denominator that unites soldiers from different backgrounds and social classes in a common purpose. It suggests a pragmatic, down-to-earth approach to soldiering, where practicality trumps formality.

Quiet Courage and the Clatter of Cobblestones

The "good Australian ammunition boots" serve as a recurring symbol of the Australian soldiers' presence and impact. The image of the boots leaving tracks past the shell holes evokes a sense of relentless forward progress and unwavering commitment. The final stanza's image of the "clatter on the cobblestones of France" is particularly evocative. It transforms a mundane sound into a powerful symbol of the Australian contribution to the Allied war effort. This auditory image represents not only their physical presence but also the enduring mark they left on the war-torn landscape and the birth of a confident nation. This raises a question: Does the "clatter" also hint at the cost of war, the heavy burden carried by these boots and the men who wore them?

Echoes of ANZAC

“Boots” is more than just a war poem; it is a celebration of the Australian spirit. Through the simple yet powerful symbol of the military boot, Paterson captures the nation's resilience, camaraderie, and understated courage. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with the Australian ethos of mateship and perseverance, encapsulating the Anzac spirit that continues to shape the national identity. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of pride in the Australian contribution to the war effort and a deeper understanding of the values that define the nation.