Poem Analysis - A Triolet

A Tongue-in-Cheek Critique

Banjo Paterson's "A Triolet" is a humorous and cynical take on a particular poetic form, the triolet itself. The poem doesn't celebrate the art of poetry but rather mocks a specific type that Paterson clearly dislikes. The tone is sarcastic and dismissive, maintaining a consistent level of disdain throughout its brief length. There are no significant shifts in mood; the poem is a sustained jab at what Paterson considers a weak and uninspired form of verse.

The Poet's Disdain

While a deep dive into Paterson's personal history concerning the triolet isn't readily available, the poem itself speaks volumes about his feelings. Paterson, an Australian poet known for his bush ballads, may have seen the highly structured and repetitive triolet as artificial and lacking the rugged authenticity he valued. The poem could be interpreted as a rejection of overly formal, potentially European, poetic traditions in favor of a more straightforward and natural style of writing more attuned to the Australian landscape and character.

The Theme of Poetic Quality

The primary theme is the perceived lack of quality within the triolet form. This isn't a subtle critique; Paterson declares it "the feeblest jingle yet." The poem essentially argues that the triolet, with its repeated lines, does not enhance good writing but actively makes bad writing worse. This suggests a belief that good poetry should rely on originality and skillful use of language, something he finds absent in the triolet's formulaic constraints.

Sickly Imagery and a Reader's Curse

The central image of the poem is that of the "sickly forms of verse." This isn't a pleasant or appealing image. The word "sickly" suggests weakness, a lack of health, and something generally undesirable. This image effectively conveys Paterson's low opinion of the triolet. Further strengthening this negative portrayal is the phrase "a reader's curse," implying that encountering a triolet is an unpleasant experience that inflicts suffering on the reader. The poem is less about beauty and more about aversion.

Final Verdict: A Dismissal in Verse

In conclusion, "A Triolet" is not a celebration of poetry but a witty dismissal of a particular poetic form. Paterson uses sarcasm and unflattering imagery to express his disdain for the triolet, arguing that it is a weak and uninspired form that does more harm than good. The poem's significance lies in its bold and humorous critique, revealing Paterson's preferences for a different, perhaps more robust and genuine, style of poetry.