Namatjira
Namatjira - meaning Summary
Fame and Betrayal
The poem addresses the Aboriginal painter Namatjira, praising his skill, pride, and generosity while exposing the hypocrisy of white society. It contrasts public acclaim for his art with the oppressive legal and social rules that ultimately punished him. The speaker condemns how fame became hollow when the same community that celebrated him also criminalized and hurt him, turning recognition into betrayal and personal tragedy.
Read Complete AnalysesAboriginal man, you walked with pride, And painted with joy the countryside. Original man, your fame grew fast, Men pointed you out as you went past. But vain the honour and tributes paid For you strangled in rules the white man made: You broke no law of your own wild clan Which says, "share all with your fellow-man." What did their loud acclaim avail Who gave you honour, then gave you jail? Namatjira, they boomed your art, They called you genius, then broke your heart.
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