Poem Analysis - Johnny Boer

Introduction: A Humorous Take on a Serious Conflict

Banjo Paterson's "Johnny Boer" offers a wry and somewhat cynical perspective on the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The poem adopts a tone that blends admiration for the Boer's strategic prowess with frustration at the difficulties they pose for the British forces. While celebrating British tenacity, the poem also hints at the futility and uneven nature of the conflict. The overall mood is less a patriotic call to arms and more a sardonic observation on the challenges of fighting a resourceful and well-entrenched enemy. There is no marked mood shift but rather a constant undertone of exasperation.

Historical Context: The Boer War and Colonial Attitudes

The Second Boer War was fought between the British Empire and two Boer republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over control of territory in South Africa. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, were skilled marksmen and tacticians who used the terrain to their advantage. Paterson, an Australian poet, reflects the colonial perspective of the time, viewing the British involvement as inevitable and ultimately victorious, though not without acknowledging the Boers' strengths and the difficulties they presented. The poem, therefore, exists within the framework of imperial ambition and the inherent biases of colonial power.

The Resourceful Enemy: Boer Ingenuity and Adaptability

One of the central themes of the poem is the Boers' remarkable resourcefulness. This is developed through vivid descriptions of their strategic use of the landscape and their innovative tactics. The poem emphasizes how "the Lord He made the earth" in such a way that Africa provides the Boers with "heaven-built fortresses". Paterson stresses that these resourceful tactics make for difficult fighting. This constant harping on resourcefulness illustrates that the British forces face not just an enemy, but one deeply intertwined with the land itself.

David and Goliath: The Underdog's Advantage

Related to the theme of resourcefulness is the idea that the Boers, despite being outmatched in terms of resources and manpower, possess a significant advantage due to their intimate knowledge of the terrain and their unconventional fighting style. The poem subtly portrays a David-and-Goliath dynamic, where the Boers cleverly exploit their environment to frustrate the British advance. The "little Maxim gun" becomes a symbol of this underdog advantage, a seemingly insignificant weapon that poses a disproportionate threat.

The Inevitable Outcome: Colonial Certainty and Imperial Hubris

Despite acknowledging the Boers' skill and the difficulties they present, the poem ultimately asserts the inevitability of British victory. The lines "But after all the job is sure, although the job is slow. / We have to see the business through, the Boer has got to go" reflect a sense of colonial certainty and imperial hubris. The poem suggests that with superior technology ("Nordenfeldt and lyddite shell") and sheer persistence, the British will eventually overcome the Boers' resistance. This reflects the prevailing attitude of the time, but also hints at a blindness to the human cost and the long-term consequences of colonial domination.

Symbolism and Imagery: Guns, Kopjes, and the Shifting Landscape

Several symbols and images recur throughout the poem, each contributing to its overall message. The "little Maxim gun" is perhaps the most prominent symbol, representing the Boers' unexpected power and their ability to inflict damage despite their limited resources. The "kopjes" (small hills) serve as natural fortresses, symbolizing the Boers' connection to the land and their skillful use of the environment. The shifting landscape, from the "kopjes" to the "open flats," reflects the changing dynamics of the war, as the British eventually push the Boers from their fortified positions. The image of the Boers "running after him with our little Maxim gun" at the end creates a dark humour, suggesting that the cycle of violence will continue, even after the Boers are defeated. Does this ending offer a subtle critique of the endless nature of war and conquest?

Conclusion: A War Seen Through Jaundiced Eyes

"Johnny Boer" is more than just a war poem; it is a nuanced reflection on the challenges of colonial warfare and the complexities of cultural conflict. While seemingly celebrating British determination, the poem subtly undermines the heroic narrative by highlighting the Boers' ingenuity and the difficulties of dislodging them from their homeland. The poem’s tone suggests a quiet cynicism about the entire enterprise. In the end, "Johnny Boer" presents a war seen through jaundiced eyes, acknowledging both the bravery and the futility of the conflict.