Poem Analysis - Fed Up

A Grumbling Soldier's Lament

Banjo Paterson's "Fed Up" is a humorous and relatable poem that captures the weary discontent of a soldier in the Boer War. The poem is narrated in a colloquial voice, creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity. While initially expressing bravery, the speaker quickly reveals his growing disillusionment with the realities of war. The tone is predominantly sarcastic and humorous, with a subtle undercurrent of frustration that builds throughout the stanzas.

The Boer War's Impact

The poem is situated within the context of the Boer War (1899-1902), a conflict between the British Empire and the Boer republics in South Africa. The poem directly mentions "Krupp" (a German artillery manufacturer) and "pom-pom gun" which gives the reader information that the war was technologically advanced, specifically in weaponary. This war was characterized by guerilla tactics employed by the Boers, making it difficult for the British forces to engage in traditional combat. Paterson, an Australian, reflects the widespread sentiment among colonial troops who were part of the British forces, and were growing weary of the prolonged and challenging nature of the war. Paterson, an Australian journalist, was sympathetic to the Australian soldiers and his poems often capture Australian vernacular.

The Futility of War

One of the central themes of the poem is the futility of war, particularly the sense of pointless exposure and ineffective combat. The opening stanza introduces this theme with the speaker complaining about being a "target for a Krupp." This imagery underscores the feeling of vulnerability and lack of agency in the face of superior weaponry. The speaker's observation that "It's wonderful how few get hit, it's luck that pulls us through" emphasizes the randomness and absurdity of survival in this war, reducing heroism to mere chance. The descriptions of the Mounted Infantry ("Mounted Fut") further reinforce this theme, highlighting their ineffectiveness and lack of engagement.

The Search for Escape and Comfort

Another key theme revolves around the desire for escape from the hardships and dangers of war. The speaker's constant consideration of switching to different units exemplifies this longing for a safer and more comfortable position. His contemplation of joining the Mounted Fut, then the infantry, and finally the ambulance or the A.S.C. (Army Service Corps) shows a progressive escalation in his search for a less exposed and more rewarding role. The A.S.C., with its promise of "tucker in the plate and coffee in the cup," represents the ultimate symbol of comfort and respite from the brutal realities of the front lines. This highlights a longing for basic human comforts amidst the chaos of war.

The Power of Everyday Gripes

A subtler theme explores the discomforts of daily life. While war is, of course, a serious subject, the speaker complains about simple things. He is "fair fed up" with repetitive meals ("bully beef and biscuits") almost as much as he is with the threat of enemy fire. The emphasis on these mundane gripes underscores the cumulative effect of small annoyances in exacerbating the overall sense of weariness and disillusionment. It suggests that the psychological burden of war is not solely defined by grand acts of bravery or traumatic events, but also by the constant, grinding discomfort of daily existence. This humanizes the soldier and provides a relatable insight into the experiences of those in conflict.

The Significance of 'Fed Up'

The phrase "fed up" is a recurring motif and a powerful symbol of the speaker's mounting discontent. It encapsulates not only his physical weariness but also his emotional and psychological exhaustion. The repetition of this phrase at the end of each stanza reinforces the cumulative effect of the various hardships and frustrations he experiences. It serves as a concise and relatable expression of the universal human desire for relief from suffering. "Fed Up" ultimately captures the sentiment of countless soldiers who have experienced the disillusionment and discomfort of war, reminding us of the human cost hidden behind the grand narratives of conflict.