Middleton’s Rouseabout
Middleton’s Rouseabout - meaning Summary
From Labourer to Landowner
The poem sketches the life of Andy, a freckled rouseabout who works on Middleton’s station and later becomes its owner after Middleton loses the property. It contrasts physical, practical labor with the genteel failure of the former master, presenting a reversal of fortunes and a modest social critique. The tone is wry and unsentimental, highlighting social mobility in rural Australia and an ironic view of character and success.
Read Complete AnalysesTall and freckled and sandy, Face of a country lout; This was the picture of Andy, Middleton’s Rouseabout. Type of a coming nation, In the land of cattle and sheep, Worked on Middleton’s station, `Pound a week and his keep.’ On Middleton’s wide dominions Plied the stockwhip and shears; Hadn’t any opinions, Hadn’t any `idears’. Swiftly the years went over, Liquor and drought prevailed; Middleton went as a drover, After his station had failed. Type of a careless nation, Men who are soon played out, Middleton was: and his station Was bought by the Rouseabout. Flourishing beard and sandy, Tall and robust and stout; This is the picture of Andy, Middleton’s Rouseabout. Now on his own dominions Works with his overseers; Hasn’t any opinions, Hasn’t any `idears’.
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