Poem Analysis - Tar And Feathers

A Humorous Ballad of Justice, Sort Of

Banjo Paterson's "Tar and Feathers" is a lighthearted ballad that recounts a humorous incident involving a mischievous boy, a clever showman, and a less-than-impartial judge. The poem's tone is primarily jovial, employing colloquial language and wry wit to depict a small-town escapade. The mood, while consistently playful, takes a slightly darker turn when the showman resorts to tarring and feathering, before returning to a farcical resolution in the courtroom. Paterson masterfully blends humor and social commentary in this short, entertaining piece.

Small-Town Justice and Outback Shenanigans

While detailed historical context is limited, understanding Paterson's background as an Australian bush poet offers insight. His work often celebrated the outback, its characters, and its distinct sense of justice. "Tar and Feathers" reflects this appreciation for localized solutions and the eccentricities of rural life. The poem implicitly critiques the formal legal system, presenting it as somewhat ineffectual and detached from the practical realities of the situation.

Deception, Retribution, and a Questionable Justice System

One central theme is deception. The boy attempts to deceive the showman by sneaking into the circus, showcasing his "ingenuity" to avoid paying. This act sets the stage for the subsequent events. Another theme is retribution, albeit a rather unorthodox one. The showman's response to the boy's theft is far from conventional, choosing instead to humiliate him by tarring and feathering him. This action demonstrates a form of frontier justice where personal vendettas and public shaming take precedence over legal recourse. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of a questionable justice system. The judge's casual attitude and the minimal fine highlight the relaxed and perhaps slightly corrupt nature of legal proceedings in the small town. The phrase "professional zeal" used by the showman and repeated sardonically by the narrator suggests a dismissal of the showman's actions as merely an act of self-promotion rather than a criminal assault.

Symbolism in Feathers and the Absurdity of Punishment

The most striking image is undoubtedly the tarred and feathered boy. This image serves as a symbol of public humiliation and ridicule. The feathers transform him into a grotesque spectacle, turning him into the "feathered what-is-it from Narrabri." The tar and feathers also symbolize a rough, homespun kind of justice. The act itself is violent and degrading, but within the context of the poem's humor, it takes on a farcical quality. The judge, referred to as "Beak", further adds to the imagery of the boy being bird-like. It also raises an interesting question: is the showman's punishment excessive, or is it a fitting response to the boy's attempt at deception in a society where resources and entertainment are highly valued?

Concluding Thoughts: A Bird-Boy's Lesson

"Tar and Feathers" is a delightful and thought-provoking ballad that uses humor to explore themes of deception, retribution, and justice in a small Australian town. The poem's vivid imagery and colloquial language create a memorable scene of a boy transformed into a spectacle of humiliation. Ultimately, Paterson's poem offers a glimpse into a world where informal justice and public shaming coexist with a slightly bemused legal system, leaving us to ponder the true meaning of fairness and the consequences of our actions, even if those actions are just a mischievous prank.