Poem Analysis - The Scapegoat

A Humorous Take on Religious Hypocrisy

Banjo Paterson's "The Scapegoat" is a satirical and humorous poem that retells the biblical story of the scapegoat. The poem adopts a light-hearted, almost irreverent tone, poking fun at religious hypocrisy and the human tendency to evade responsibility. The mood is consistently comedic, relying on colloquial language and absurd scenarios to deliver its moral message.

Australian Vernacular and Narrative Style

While the poem deals with a biblical theme, Paterson injects it with distinctly Australian flavour. His use of slang like "rorty old hoss," "out on the wallaby," and "sheilas" (implied) situates the story within an Australian context and connects to Paterson's broader body of work which often focuses on the everyday lives and values of Australians. The poem is less a deep dive into existential questions and more a narrative yarn told with a wink.

Shifting Responsibility and the Avoidance of Sins

A central theme is the human desire to shift responsibility and evade the consequences of one's actions. The poem highlights the ease with which the Israelites (and, by extension, humanity) embrace the scapegoat ritual, allowing them to believe they can absolve themselves of their sins without genuine repentance. This is exemplified by the line "Because all your sins are 'his troubles' in future," which underscores the convenient transfer of guilt. This can be seen in a more modern, secular context, as the shirking of the consequences of one's own choices is a universal theme.

The Inadequacy of Symbolic Rituals

The poem criticizes the superficiality of symbolic rituals when divorced from genuine moral change. The elaborate ceremony surrounding the scapegoat, complete with sermons and priestly pronouncements, becomes a farce when the goat returns to camp laden with sins, effectively rendering the entire ritual pointless. The actions of the Rabbi in particular highlight this; his actions during the "race" between Abraham and the goat make it clear that he, and by extension the community, is far more invested in the *appearance* of being devout than in actual contrition.

The Recurring Image of the Returned Scapegoat

The central and recurring image is, of course, the scapegoat itself. Initially, it represents a passive vessel for the sins of the community, a symbol of their collective guilt. However, as the poem progresses, the scapegoat becomes an active agent, disrupting the intended narrative. Its return to the camp, and its subsequent mischievous activities, such as eating the bill-sticker's advertisement and the Rabbi's geraniums, symbolize the inescapable nature of sin and the futility of trying to displace responsibility. One might even interpret the scapegoat's actions as a form of poetic justice, with the goat forcing the community to confront the consequences of their actions.

A Comic Lesson in Accountability

In conclusion, "The Scapegoat" is a cleverly crafted satirical poem that uses humor and absurdity to deliver a pointed moral lesson. Paterson critiques religious hypocrisy and the human tendency to avoid responsibility, highlighting the importance of accountability and genuine contrition. While the poem is light-hearted in its tone, it ultimately offers a profound reflection on the nature of sin and the challenges of achieving true redemption. The enduring appeal of the poem lies in its accessibility and its witty exposure of human foibles, all wrapped in a distinctly Australian package.