Poem Analysis - In Defence Of The Bush

A Bushman's Rebuke: Lawson and the Land

Banjo Paterson's "In Defence of the Bush" is a spirited and somewhat satirical poem that champions the Australian outback against the complaints of a city-dwelling visitor, likely Henry Lawson himself. The poem adopts a tone of wry amusement mixed with genuine passion for the bush, moving from gentle ribbing to a more pointed critique of Lawson's urban sensibilities. It functions as a dialogue, a direct response to Lawson's perceived negativity, and a celebration of the bush's unique character.

The Bush Versus the City: A Clash of Perspectives

One of the central themes of the poem is the contrast between the bush and the city, and the different values each embodies. The city is portrayed as a place of "sullen line of buildings and the ceaseless tramp of feet," representing monotony and a lack of connection with nature. Conversely, the bush is characterized by its "moods and changes," highlighting its dynamic and unpredictable nature. The poem suggests that only those who truly "know the bush-land" can appreciate its beauty and resilience. This theme is developed through vivid imagery contrasting the harshness of the drought with the vibrancy of the landscape after rain, emphasizing the bush's capacity for renewal, something the city seems to lack.

Loyalty and Identity: Defining the Bushman

Closely tied to the bush/city dichotomy is the theme of identity, specifically the identity of the "bushman." The poem champions the values associated with bush life: resilience, community, and a deep connection to the land. The speaker questions whether Lawson experienced the camaraderie of the shearers' huts or the warmth of the homesteads, suggesting these are integral parts of the bush experience. The implicit comparison between "selector children" and "city urchins" further emphasizes the positive qualities associated with bush life – a perceived innocence and wholesomeness that are absent in the city's "squidid street and square". The poem thus suggests that genuine Australian identity is forged in the bush, not in the urban environment.

Sensory Imagery: Painting a Picture of Two Worlds

Paterson employs rich sensory imagery to emphasize the differences between the bush and city environments. The "hot and dusty" roads and "burnt and brown" plains give way to "grasses waving like a field of summer grain" and "mighty rivers with a turbid, sweeping flood," illustrating the bush's dramatic transformation after rain. These images contrast sharply with the city's "roar of trams and buses, and the war-whoop of 'the push'," highlighting the sensory overload and lack of natural beauty in the urban environment. Even the sounds of the bush – "the silver chiming of the bell-birds on the range" and the magpies' carol – are presented as superior to the city's noise, implying a deeper, more authentic form of beauty.

A Final Verdict: Bush Life is Not For Everyone

Ultimately, "In Defence of the Bush" is a passionate defense of the Australian outback and its way of life. Through sharp contrast and vibrant imagery, Paterson champions the values of resilience, community, and connection to nature embodied by the bush. While acknowledging the hardships of bush life, the poem suggests that its rewards – its natural beauty, its authentic culture, and its sense of community – far outweigh the comforts of the city. The final lines deliver a clear message: the bush is not for everyone, and those who cannot appreciate its unique character are better off remaining in the urban landscape. The poem's lasting significance lies in its contribution to the ongoing debate about Australian identity and the enduring allure of the bush.