Poem Analysis - Orstralia

A Whimsical Ode to Down Under

Spike Milligan's "Orstralia" is a lighthearted and absurd tribute to Australia. The poem's tone is overwhelmingly affectionate and playful, bordering on the ridiculous. The poem maintains a consistent mood of enthusiastic, almost obsessive, adoration throughout. Its simple language and repetitive structure contribute to its comedic effect, painting a picture of a speaker utterly consumed by thoughts of Australia.

The Sheer Absurdity of Affection

One of the main themes of the poem is unconditional love, albeit presented in a highly exaggerated and comedic manner. The speaker's affection for "Orstralia" is so intense that they think of it constantly, even disrupting their sleep. The phrase "We love you from the heart / The kidney, the Liver and the giblets, / And every other part" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of this love, extending it beyond the realm of reason and into the realm of pure, joyful silliness. This lists the internal organs to portray the depths of the speaker's love.

Obsession and Repetitive Devotion

Another dominant theme is obsession. The repetition of "Orstralia – Orstralia" at the beginning of each stanza underscores the speaker's fixation. The lines "We think of yew in the morning / And in the evening too / We even wake up at mid-night / So that we can think of you" further highlight this obsessive thinking. This constant mental preoccupation, taken to such an extreme, transforms genuine affection into a humorous and slightly unsettling infatuation.

Hyperbole as a Vehicle for Comedy

The poem relies heavily on hyperbole to convey its message. The speaker doesn't just like Australia; they are utterly consumed by it. This exaggeration is central to the poem's comedic effect. There are no subtle or nuanced sentiments here; instead, we find an over-the-top expression of affection that is intentionally absurd. This serves as a comedic, rather than literal, depiction of national appreciation, playing on stereotypes of enthusiastic tourists or expatriates.

A Final Note on Milligan's "Orstralia"

In conclusion, "Orstralia" is a charmingly ridiculous poem that uses repetition, hyperbole, and a lighthearted tone to express an exaggerated love for Australia. While it touches on themes of love and obsession, its primary function is to entertain and amuse. The poem's simplicity and absurdity make it a memorable and uniquely Milliganesque tribute, offering a playful and humorous perspective on national pride and admiration.