Poem Analysis - Gone Down

Introduction: A Satirical Political Commentary

Banjo Paterson's "Gone Down" is a satirical poem that lampoons political campaigning and broken promises. The poem employs humor and irony to depict the efforts of a politician's representative, O'Sullivan, to secure votes, ultimately ending in defeat. The tone is largely cynical and mocking, highlighting the perceived dishonesty and ineffectiveness of political rhetoric. A subtle shift occurs in the final stanza, moving from humorous observation to a more direct expression of disappointment and resignation.

Political Hypocrisy as a Central Theme

One of the main themes of "Gone Down" is political hypocrisy. O'Sullivan promises roads and economic benefits if the voters support Mister Hay, even though he "knew they wouldn't lend him any more." This discrepancy between promise and reality reveals the deceitful tactics often employed in political campaigns. The poem suggests that politicians are willing to say anything to gain power, regardless of their ability or intention to follow through. This theme is developed through the contrast between O'Sullivan's grand pronouncements and the ultimate failure of his efforts.

The Futility of Empty Promises

The futility of empty promises is another significant theme explored in the poem. The line "The promises that never would be kept" explicitly states the insincerity of O'Sullivan's pledges. The poem implies that the voters are aware of this deception, yet O'Sullivan continues to make extravagant claims. The image of O'Sullivan creeping "homeward at the sinking of the sun" further emphasizes the emptiness of his victory, highlighting the disillusionment that follows broken promises. The poem suggests that such political maneuvering ultimately leads to nothing of substance.

Humorous Depiction of Political Performance

The poem also subtly explores the theme of political performance as a kind of entertainment. O'Sullivan’s use of the banjo and singing of "Home, Sweet Home!" highlight the performative aspect of campaigning. He is essentially putting on a show to win over the voters. The hyperbolic reaction ("it made a blessed horse fall down") underscores the absurdity of this performance. The presence of the "Coolangatta Croesus" posing as a "Friend of Labour" reinforces the idea that political rallies are often staged events designed to manipulate public opinion.

The Recurring Symbol of the Falling Horse

The most striking symbol in the poem is the recurring image of the "blessed horse" falling down. This image is open to interpretation, but it could symbolize the gullibility or disillusionment of the voters. It suggests that the political rhetoric is so absurd that even a simple animal recognizes its falseness. Alternatively, the falling horse might represent the collapse of faith in the political process or the exhaustion of patience with empty promises. The repetition of this image emphasizes the pervasiveness of political deception and its detrimental effects.

Conclusion: A Cynical View of Political Campaigns

"Gone Down" is a cynical yet humorous commentary on the nature of political campaigning and the broken promises that often accompany it. Through vivid imagery and satirical tone, Paterson exposes the hypocrisy and futility of political rhetoric. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to capture the disillusionment and skepticism that many feel towards the political process. The final line, "There's another blessed seat gone down!", serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of empty promises and the potential for political failure. The poem suggests that voters are not easily fooled, and that political performance, no matter how elaborate, cannot always mask the underlying dishonesty.