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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
The character of "Saltbush Bill" is introduced in this poem as a drover of sheep along "the track of the Overland", who stretches the "the law of the Great Stock Routes" by allowing his sheep to make use of all the good grass they find. On the occasion described in the poem, Bill's sheep have spread across a squatter's property. A Jackaroo arrives and attempts to drive the sheep back into the accepted "space of the half-mile track". An argument and then fight ensues between Bill and the Jackaroo, and, while Bill concedes after a marathon fight, in the end he achieves his aim of finding his sheep a good feed.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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Banjo Paterson : A Poet Nearly Anonymous
1964
single work
criticism
biography
— Appears in: Meanjin Quarterly , December vol. 23 no. 4 1964; (p. 386-402) The Australian Nationalists : Modern Critical Essays 1971; (p. 176-195) Heseltine assesses the value of Paterson's poetry, taking its consistent metre, rhythm and pastoral themes into account. Drawing on Ransom's discussion of the "greatness" of Milton's Lycidas, Heseltine stresses the need for an audience that comprehends the literary conventions being employed in a work. This accounts for the form of the Paterson's poems because he knew what his audience wanted: simple, consistent metres and rhythms with an "arcadian" background. Heseltine concludes that this arcadian view, combined with Paterson's technical prowess and immense popularity demands closer attention to bring readers closer to an understanding of Australian culture.
-
Banjo Paterson : A Poet Nearly Anonymous
1964
single work
criticism
biography
— Appears in: Meanjin Quarterly , December vol. 23 no. 4 1964; (p. 386-402) The Australian Nationalists : Modern Critical Essays 1971; (p. 176-195) Heseltine assesses the value of Paterson's poetry, taking its consistent metre, rhythm and pastoral themes into account. Drawing on Ransom's discussion of the "greatness" of Milton's Lycidas, Heseltine stresses the need for an audience that comprehends the literary conventions being employed in a work. This accounts for the form of the Paterson's poems because he knew what his audience wanted: simple, consistent metres and rhythms with an "arcadian" background. Heseltine concludes that this arcadian view, combined with Paterson's technical prowess and immense popularity demands closer attention to bring readers closer to an understanding of Australian culture.
Last amended 12 Jan 2015 06:36:10
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