Poem Analysis - Saltbush Bills Second Flight

Introduction: A Humorous Tale of Deception

Banjo Paterson's "Saltbush Bill's Second Flight" is a lighthearted and humorous narrative poem that tells the story of a clever drover, Saltbush Bill, and his cunning scheme to outsmart a stingy landowner. The poem’s tone is predominantly jovial and playful, filled with witty descriptions and situational irony. The mood shifts from concern about Saltbush Bill's supposed defeat to amusement and admiration as the truth of his trickery is revealed. Paterson uses vivid imagery and colloquial language to paint a picture of the Australian outback and its characters, ultimately celebrating ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The Outback Swindler: Theme of Deception and Trickery

One of the central themes of the poem is deception and trickery. Saltbush Bill's reputation precedes him as a master of "dodges and tricks" to feed his sheep. The entire plot revolves around Stingy Smith's attempt to use a "fighting man" to stop Bill, only to be outwitted by Bill's own elaborate scheme. Bill's deception is presented not as malicious, but as a clever means of survival in the harsh outback. The poem suggests that a bit of cunning is necessary to succeed against those who try to exploit or restrict others.

Justice in the Outback: Theme of Comeuppance

The theme of comeuppance is strongly present. Stingy Smith's stinginess and attempts to bully Saltbush Bill lead to his own downfall. His desire to avoid paying for proper grazing leads him to hire a supposed "fighting man," only to be conned and have his grass consumed by Bill's sheep anyway. The poem implies a sense of poetic justice, where those who try to take advantage of others eventually receive their due. The final image of the teamsters envying Smith's swearing underscores the magnitude of his humiliation.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Theme of Outback Survival

The poem explores the theme of resourcefulness and resilience needed to survive in the Australian outback. Saltbush Bill is portrayed as a resourceful character who adapts to challenging circumstances. Instead of resorting to violence, he uses his intelligence to overcome obstacles and secure resources for his sheep. Even the "fighting man," Tom Devine, demonstrates resilience by taking on a new role and skillfully executing Bill's plan. These characters embody the spirit of the outback, where adaptability and quick thinking are essential for survival.

The Symbol of the "Fighting Man": A Mask of Deceit

The "fighting man" serves as a potent symbol of deceit. He is initially presented as a fearsome figure, a professional boxer with a violent past. However, his true identity as Tom Devine, Saltbush Bill's cook, reveals that his tough exterior is merely a facade. The fighting man symbolizes the deceptive appearances that can be used to manipulate and outsmart others. The image of him shaving his beard and cutting his hair highlights the deliberate construction of his deceptive persona.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Australian Wit

"Saltbush Bill's Second Flight" is a humorous and engaging poem that celebrates the wit and resourcefulness of the Australian outback character. Through the story of Saltbush Bill's clever deception, Paterson explores themes of deception, comeuppance, and resilience. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its portrayal of the Australian spirit, where cunning and adaptability are valued as essential qualities for survival and success. It leaves the reader with a sense of amusement and admiration for Saltbush Bill's ingenuity and his ability to outsmart the greedy Stingy Smith.