'Ben Duggan' by Henry Lawson


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Jack Denver died on Talbragar when Christmas Eve began,
And there was sorrow round the place, for Denver was a man;
Jack Denver's wife bowed down her head -- her daughter's grief was wild,
And big Ben Duggan by the bed stood sobbing like a child.
But big Ben Duggan saddled up, and galloped fast and far,
To raise the longest funeral ever seen on Talbragar.

By station home
And shearing shed
Ben Duggan cried, `Jack Denver's dead!
Roll up at Talbragar!'

He borrowed horses here and there, and rode all Christmas Eve,
And scarcely paused a moment's time the mournful news to leave;
He rode by lonely huts and farms, and when the day was done
He turned his panting horse's head and rode to Ross's Run.
No bushman in a single day had ridden half so far
Since Johnson brought the doctor to his wife at Talbragar.

By diggers' camps
Ben Duggan sped --
At each he cried, `Jack Denver's dead!
Roll up at Talbragar!'

That night he passed the humpies of the splitters on the ridge,
And roused the bullock-drivers camped at Belinfante's Bridge;
And as he climbed the ridge again the moon shone on the rise;
The soft white moonbeams glistened in the tears that filled his eyes;
He dashed the rebel drops away -- for blinding things they are --
But 'twas his best and truest friend who died on Talbragar.

At Blackman's Run
Before the dawn,
Ben Duggan cried, `Poor Denver's gone!
Roll up at Talbragar!'

At all the shanties round the place they'd heard his horse's tramp,
He took the track to Wilson's Luck, and told the diggers' camp;
But in the gorge by Deadman's Gap the mountain shades were black,
And there a newly-fallen tree was lying on the track --
He saw too late, and then he heard the swift hoof's sudden jar,
And big Ben Duggan ne'er again rode home to Talbragar.

`The wretch is drunk,
And Denver's dead --
A burning shame!' the people said
Next day at Talbragar.

For thirty miles round Talbragar the boys rolled up in strength,
And Denver had a funeral a good long mile in length;
Round Denver's grave that Christmas day rough bushmen's eyes were dim --
The western bushmen knew the way to bury dead like him;
But some returning homeward found, by light of moon and star,
Ben Duggan dying in the rocks, five miles from Talbragar.

They knelt around,
He raised his head
And faintly gasped, `Jack Denver's dead,
Roll up at Talbragar!'

But one short hour before he died he woke to understand,
They told him, when he asked them, that the funeral was `grand';
And then there came into his eyes a strange victorious light,
He smiled on them in triumph, and his great soul took its flight.
And still the careless bushmen tell by tent and shanty bar
How Duggan raised a funeral years back on Talbragar.

And far and wide
When Duggan died,
The bushmen of the western side
Rode in to Talbragar.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ben Duggan: A Poetic Masterpiece by Henry Lawson

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you enjoy reading classic works that capture the essence of rural life and the struggles of the common man? If so, then Henry Lawson's "Ben Duggan" is a literary masterpiece that you simply cannot afford to miss.

In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of Lawson's poetic genius and explore the themes of struggle, resilience, and the beauty of rural life that are manifested in this classic work.

Introduction

"Ben Duggan" is a poem that was written by Henry Lawson in 1892. It tells the story of a young man named Ben Duggan who lives in the rural outback of Australia. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and it captures the struggles of those who live in this harsh environment.

The Themes in "Ben Duggan"

One of the main themes in "Ben Duggan" is the struggle for survival. Throughout the poem, we see Ben facing numerous challenges as he tries to make a living in the Australian outback. He faces droughts, fires, and other challenges that threaten his livelihood. However, despite these challenges, Ben remains resilient, and he is determined to succeed.

Another theme in the poem is the beauty of rural life. Lawson's descriptions of the Australian landscape are breathtaking, and he captures the essence of rural life in a way that is both vivid and poetic. The poem celebrates the natural world and the beauty that can be found in even the harshest of environments.

The Structure of "Ben Duggan"

"Ben Duggan" is a poem that is structured in four stanzas. Each stanza has six lines, and the poem is written in free verse. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme and meter gives the poem a sense of naturalness and allows Lawson to focus on the imagery and the emotions that he is trying to convey.

The Imagery in "Ben Duggan"

One of the most striking aspects of "Ben Duggan" is the vivid imagery that Lawson uses to paint a picture of the Australian landscape. He describes the red soil, the dusty plains, and the harsh sun that beats down on those who live in the outback. This imagery creates a sense of place and helps the reader to understand the challenges that Ben faces as he tries to make a living in this harsh environment.

The Emotions in "Ben Duggan"

In addition to the imagery, "Ben Duggan" is also filled with powerful emotions. We feel the frustration and the despair that Ben experiences as he struggles to make ends meet. We also feel his determination and his resilience as he refuses to give up in the face of adversity. These emotions make the poem relatable and help to create a connection between the reader and the protagonist.

The Role of Nature in "Ben Duggan"

Nature plays a central role in "Ben Duggan." The harsh environment of the Australian outback is both a source of beauty and a source of danger. The landscape is described in detail, and the natural world is shown to be both awe-inspiring and unforgiving. This portrayal of nature as both beautiful and dangerous is a reflection of the harsh realities of rural life in Australia during Lawson's time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ben Duggan" is a literary masterpiece that captures the struggles and the beauty of rural life in Australia. It is a poem that is filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions, and it celebrates the resilience of those who live in the outback. If you are a lover of poetry, then "Ben Duggan" is a work that you simply cannot afford to miss. So why not pick up a copy today and experience the power and the beauty of Lawson's poetry for yourself?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ben Duggan: A Masterpiece of Australian Literature

Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian writers, is known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of the Australian bush and its people. His works are a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the outback, and his poetry is no exception. One of his most famous poems, Poetry Ben Duggan, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the Australian bush and its people.

The poem tells the story of Ben Duggan, a bush poet who is struggling to make a living from his craft. He is a man who is deeply passionate about poetry and is determined to make a name for himself in the literary world. However, he is constantly faced with rejection and ridicule from those around him, who do not understand or appreciate his art.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, which is characteristic of Lawson's writing. The language is colloquial and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience. The poem is also rich in imagery, which helps to bring the Australian bush to life. The use of vivid descriptions of the landscape and the people who inhabit it creates a sense of realism that is both captivating and poignant.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which tells a different part of Ben Duggan's story. The first stanza introduces us to Ben and his love of poetry. We learn that he is a man who is deeply passionate about his craft and is determined to make a name for himself in the literary world. However, he is constantly faced with rejection and ridicule from those around him, who do not understand or appreciate his art.

The second stanza is a reflection of Ben's struggles. We see him wandering through the bush, searching for inspiration and trying to make sense of his life. He is a man who is deeply connected to the land and the people who inhabit it, and his poetry reflects this connection. However, he is also a man who is struggling to make a living from his craft, and this struggle is reflected in his poetry.

The third and final stanza is a reflection of Ben's legacy. We see him as an old man, sitting by the fire and reflecting on his life. He is a man who has lived a hard life, but he has also lived a life that is rich in experience and wisdom. His poetry has touched the lives of many people, and his legacy will live on long after he is gone.

The poem is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the Australian bush poet. It is a reminder that the life of a poet is not an easy one, and that the pursuit of art is often a lonely and difficult journey. However, it is also a celebration of the beauty and richness of the Australian bush and its people. It is a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to capturing the essence of this unique and beautiful landscape.

In conclusion, Poetry Ben Duggan is a masterpiece of Australian literature. It is a powerful and poignant reflection of the struggles and triumphs of the Australian bush poet. Henry Lawson's use of vivid imagery and colloquial language creates a sense of realism that is both captivating and poignant. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the Australian bush and its people, and a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to capturing its essence. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Australian literature and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Australian bush and its people.

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