Poem Analysis - The Man Who Was Away

Banjo Paterson's "The Man Who Was Away" is a deceptively simple narrative poem that unfolds like a short story. It begins with a tone of hardship and sorrow as a widow recounts her struggles, but the poem subtly shifts to one of irony and a touch of humor as the reason for Peter's absence is revealed. The poem captures a slice of rural Australian life, highlighting the challenges faced by working-class families and the social realities of the time.

The Weight of Poverty and Loss

One of the main themes in the poem is the stark reality of poverty and its impact on families. The widow's plight, burdened by her husband's death and the need to sell her land to provide for her children, is central to the poem. The lines "And I must sell the bit of land the childer's mouth to fill," and "times is very bad indeed -- a livin's hard to get" emphasize the precariousness of their existence. This theme is developed through the widow's weary tone and the lawyer's business-like approach, highlighting the impersonal nature of legal proceedings in the face of human suffering.

The Allure and Shadow of Distance

Distance, both literal and metaphorical, is a recurring motif. The poem lists the children who are geographically distant – Fred droving sheep, Charley shearing, and Peter "away." This physical separation underscores the fragmentation of the family unit, driven by economic necessity and, in Peter's case, by societal failings. The poem explores how individuals leave home in search of a livelihood, which is a consequence of societal pressures. Peter's “awayness” symbolizes a darker form of distance – alienation and the societal consequences of poverty, which can lead to crime.

Truth Hidden in Plain Sight

The poem develops the theme of hidden truths and societal judgment. The widow's reluctance to explain Peter's absence and the lawyer's ignorance highlight the social stigma associated with imprisonment. The little boy's blunt revelation ("He's done six months in Goulburn gaol -- he's got six more to do") exposes the reality that the family attempted to conceal, emphasizing the shame and embarrassment linked to Peter's situation. The contrast between the family's silence and the child's innocent honesty reveals the complexity of their lives and the weight of societal expectations.

The Significance of Goulburn Gaol

The image of "Goulburn gaol" serves as a powerful symbol of social breakdown and the consequences of poverty. Rather than a generic prison, the specific mention of Goulburn Gaol, a well-known correctional facility in New South Wales, adds a layer of realism and social commentary. It suggests that Peter's actions might be a product of his circumstances, leading the reader to consider the social factors that contribute to crime and incarceration. The fact that the young child reveals the truth about this placement raises the question of whether the child sees it differently from the adults.

A Stark Snapshot of a Family's Fate

In conclusion, "The Man Who Was Away" is more than just a simple narrative poem. It's a poignant snapshot of a family struggling with poverty, loss, and the social consequences of crime. Paterson masterfully uses a blend of irony, subtle humor, and vivid imagery to explore themes of poverty, distance, hidden truths, and societal judgment. The poem prompts reflection on the social conditions that lead to individual hardship and the enduring challenges faced by families in rural Australia.