Poem Analysis - Come By Chance

A Whimsical Escape

Banjo Paterson's "Come-by-Chance" is a lighthearted and whimsical poem that explores the allure of the unknown and the desire for a simpler, less hurried life. The poem begins with a tone of boredom and weary resignation, quickly transitioning to one of excitement and yearning, before finally settling into a reflective and philosophical mood. The speaker’s journey from bureaucratic drudgery to fanciful dreaming embodies a longing for escape from the constraints of modern life and an embrace of serendipity. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the most valuable aspects of life are often those that are found unexpectedly and effortlessly.

The Call of the Uncharted

The primary theme of "Come-by-Chance" is the appeal of escape from the mundane and the embrace of the unknown. The speaker, initially bogged down in the tedium of the "Postal Guide," is immediately captivated by the enigmatic place name "Come-by-Chance." The absence of specific location details only heightens its allure, transforming it into a symbol of freedom and a place where one can "straightway settle down" without the pressures of modern society. The poem emphasizes the lack of telegraph and railways as desirable features, representing a disconnection from the constant communication and hectic pace of urban life.

The Serendipity of Happiness

Another significant theme is the idea that true happiness often arrives unexpectedly. The lines "All that makes our life worth living comes unstriven for and free" encapsulate this concept. The poem suggests that pursuing pleasure directly, through "work and toil and hustle," is less effective than allowing it to find us by chance. The poem uses the image of letters arriving "by chance across the ranges" to represent the unpredictable nature of both good and bad news, highlighting the idea that life's experiences, whether positive or negative, often come without our deliberate effort.

Come-by-Chance as a Symbol

The name "Come-by-Chance" itself functions as a central symbol within the poem. It represents not just a physical location, but a state of mind and a philosophy of life. It is a place where "the dreamers only go," suggesting that it exists more as an ideal than a tangible reality. It symbolizes a rejection of structured, predictable existence in favor of a more spontaneous and carefree approach to life. The poem poses an open-ended question: is "Come-by-Chance" a place to be found, or a state of mind to be cultivated? The answer likely lies in the latter, suggesting that the true "Come-by-Chance" exists within ourselves, in our ability to embrace the unexpected joys of life.

The Country of Dreams

The vivid imagery in the poem contributes to its overall message. The "wiry young Australian" leading a packhorse across the ranges paints a picture of a rugged and independent existence, far removed from the constraints of city life. The "mailman" dropping letters "in a creek" creates a humorous image that undermines the seriousness of official communication, reinforcing the idea that "Come-by-Chance" is a place where the usual rules don't apply. These images create a sense of a simple, almost romantic existence.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unexpected

"Come-by-Chance" is more than just a whimsical exploration of a fictional town; it's a commentary on the human desire for escape and the importance of embracing serendipity. The poem suggests that the most valuable aspects of life are often those that are found unexpectedly, not through deliberate effort. Ultimately, Paterson's poem invites us to consider whether we are too focused on pursuing happiness, and whether true fulfillment might instead be found by opening ourselves to the unexpected joys that "Come-by-Chance" has to offer – both in the literal and metaphorical sense.