Poem Analysis - A Change Of Menu

Introduction: A Humorous Encounter in the Bush

Banjo Paterson's "A Change of Menu" is a lighthearted narrative poem that recounts a new settler's ill-fated attempt to diversify his diet beyond the ubiquitous "old ewe." The poem's tone is primarily humorous, employing hyperbole and ironic contrast to depict the new chum's naivete against the backdrop of the unforgiving Australian outback. A shift occurs from hopeful anticipation to comical terror, culminating in a sardonic acceptance of his limited culinary options.

The Allure and Peril of the Australian Outback

While a detailed historical context isn't strictly necessary, understanding Paterson's background is helpful. As a bush poet, he frequently depicted the lives and experiences of rural Australians. This poem taps into the common theme of city dwellers, or "new chums," arriving in the outback with romanticized notions only to be confronted by its harsh realities and the resilience of its inhabitants, both human and animal. The poem lightly satirizes the new chum's ignorance of the bush, highlighting the power and tenacity of nature compared to the newcomer's inexperience.

Man Versus Wild: A Comic Struggle

One of the central themes is the contrast between expectation and reality. The new chum anticipates a simple pig hunt to relieve the monotony of his diet, but he encounters a formidable wild boar that quickly turns the hunt into a desperate fight for survival. This highlights the often-brutal realities faced by newcomers to the Australian bush. Another theme is the power of nature. The pig, "old when the world was young," represents the untamed and enduring spirit of the outback. It is near "bullet-proof" and possesses an implacable patience, dwarfing the new chum's limited skills and modern weaponry. Finally, there's an element of acceptance and resignation. The poem concludes with the new chum humorously resigned to his fate, preferring the familiar (albeit unpleasant) taste of "old ewe" to another encounter with the formidable pig.

Vivid Imagery and Symbolic Representations

The poem is rich in imagery that brings the Australian outback to life. The "lignum dark" where the pig resides evokes a sense of mystery and danger. The description of the pig "stropping his tusks on a leaning limb" creates a vivid image of primal power and menace. This image suggests the pig is not merely an animal but a symbol of the untamed wilderness, a force to be reckoned with. The new chum's "three-nought-three" gun, described as sounding "like a popgun fired in an opera bouffe," highlights the inadequacy of his modern tools against the pig's primal strength. The gidgee tree, where the new chum seeks refuge, can be seen as a symbol of the land offering a precarious sanctuary.

Irony's Bite: A Final Culinary Verdict

In conclusion, "A Change of Menu" is a humorous and insightful poem that explores the challenges faced by newcomers in the Australian outback. It satirizes the clash between romanticized expectations and harsh realities, highlighting the power of nature and the resilience of its inhabitants. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its witty depiction of a man humbled by the wilderness, ultimately preferring the familiar discomfort of "old ewe" to another encounter with the formidable, untamed pig. The final lines, where the new chum expresses his dislike for pork, are dripping with irony, suggesting that his aversion is born not of genuine distaste but of a profound and lasting respect for the pig's formidable power.