'The Free-Selector's Daughter' by Henry Lawson
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I met her on the Lachlan Side --
A darling girl I thought her,
And ere I left I swore I'd win
The free-selector's daughter.
I milked her father's cows a month,
I brought the wood and water,
I mended all the broken fence,
Before I won the daughter.
I listened to her father's yarns,
I did just what I `oughter',
And what you'll have to do to win
A free-selector's daughter.
I broke my pipe and burnt my twist,
And washed my mouth with water;
I had a shave before I kissed
The free-selector's daughter.
Then, rising in the frosty morn,
I brought the cows for Mary,
And when I'd milked a bucketful
I took it to the dairy.
I poured the milk into the dish
While Mary held the strainer,
I summoned heart to speak my wish,
And, oh! her blush grew plainer.
I told her I must leave the place,
I said that I would miss her;
At first she turned away her face,
And then she let me kiss her.
I put the bucket on the ground,
And in my arms I caught her:
I'd give the world to hold again
That free-selector's daughter!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: The Free-Selector's Daughter by Henry Lawson
Are you a fan of Australian literature? Do you enjoy reading poetry that reflects the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush? If so, then you might enjoy Henry Lawson's poem "The Free-Selector's Daughter."
In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in Lawson's poem, and discuss their significance in relation to the poem's overall message.
Background:
Henry Lawson was born in 1867 in a small town in New South Wales, Australia. He is considered one of Australia's greatest writers, known for his stories and poems about life in the Australian bush. Lawson's work often deals with themes of hardship, poverty, and the struggles of rural life.
"The Free-Selector's Daughter" was first published in 1896 in a collection of Lawson's poems called "In the Days When the World Was Wide." The poem tells the story of a young woman, the daughter of a free-selector (a farmer who selected land from the government), who finds herself alone and struggling to survive in the harsh Australian bush.
Themes:
One of the main themes of "The Free-Selector's Daughter" is the harshness of life in the Australian bush. The poem describes the young woman's struggles with poverty, isolation, and the constant threat of danger from the harsh environment around her.
Another theme of the poem is the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Despite the hardships she faces, the free-selector's daughter never gives up. She is determined to survive and find a better life for herself, even when it seems hopeless.
Imagery:
Throughout the poem, Lawson uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of the Australian bush and the young woman's struggle to survive. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the "unsheltered hut" where she lives as being "hotter than hottest hell." This creates an image of a harsh and unforgiving environment where survival is a constant struggle.
In the second stanza, Lawson describes how the young woman must "tramp the paddocks" to find work. This creates an image of a vast and empty landscape where she is isolated and alone. The use of the word "tramp" also suggests that the work is hard and exhausting.
Language:
Lawson's use of language in "The Free-Selector's Daughter" is simple and direct, but also powerful. He uses short, sharp sentences to convey the harshness of the young woman's life, and the struggle she faces to survive.
For example, in the third stanza, he writes:
She hears the distant shearers' cries,
And washes, darns, and cooks, and sighs,
And borrows books from me.
The use of the word "sighs" here suggests the young woman's weariness and frustration with her situation. The fact that she must "borrow books" from the speaker also highlights her isolation and lack of access to education and culture.
Overall Message:
So what is the overall message of "The Free-Selector's Daughter"? At its core, the poem is a powerful statement about the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush, and the strength and resilience of those who must live and work there.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who face hardship and struggle in their lives. By highlighting the young woman's struggles and her determination to survive, Lawson encourages his readers to recognize and appreciate the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The Free-Selector's Daughter" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of hardship, resilience, and the struggle to survive in the harsh Australian bush. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Lawson creates a picture of a young woman who is both strong and vulnerable, and reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who face hardship in their lives.
If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend giving it a chance. It is a testament to the power and beauty of Australian literature, and a powerful statement about the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas that cannot be expressed through mere words. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Free-Selector's Daughter" by Henry Lawson. This classic poem is a masterpiece of Australian literature that captures the essence of life in the Australian bush.
Henry Lawson was a renowned Australian writer and poet who lived from 1867 to 1922. He was known for his realistic portrayals of life in the Australian bush and his ability to capture the struggles and hardships of the working class. "The Free-Selector's Daughter" is one of his most famous poems, and it is a testament to his skill as a writer.
The poem tells the story of a young woman who lives on a farm in the Australian bush. She is the daughter of a free-selector, which means that her father owns a small plot of land that he has selected from the government. The free-selector's daughter is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid of hard work. She spends her days working on the farm, tending to the animals, and helping her father with the chores.
The poem begins with a description of the free-selector's daughter. She is described as a "slim, brown girl" with "eyes like the bushland." This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid imagery and descriptions of life in the Australian bush. The free-selector's daughter is a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Australian people, who have learned to survive and thrive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
The poem then goes on to describe the free-selector's daughter's daily routine. She wakes up early in the morning and begins her work on the farm. She milks the cows, feeds the chickens, and tends to the sheep. She works hard all day, but she never complains. She is a woman who takes pride in her work and is not afraid of a little hard labor.
The poem also touches on the free-selector's daughter's love life. She is courted by a young man who works on a neighboring farm. The two of them have a strong connection, but they are both too shy to express their feelings. The free-selector's daughter is a woman who is not easily swayed by the charms of men. She is independent and self-reliant, and she knows that she can take care of herself.
The poem then takes a darker turn as it describes the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush. The free-selector's daughter's father falls ill, and she is forced to take on even more responsibilities. She works tirelessly to keep the farm running, but it is a losing battle. The drought has taken its toll on the land, and there is no rain in sight. The free-selector's daughter is faced with the prospect of losing everything that she has worked so hard for.
Despite the hardships that she faces, the free-selector's daughter remains strong and resilient. She refuses to give up, even when all seems lost. She is a symbol of the Australian spirit, which is characterized by a never-say-die attitude and a willingness to face any challenge head-on.
In conclusion, "The Free-Selector's Daughter" is a masterpiece of Australian literature that captures the essence of life in the Australian bush. It is a poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of the Australian people, who have learned to survive and thrive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Henry Lawson's vivid imagery and powerful descriptions bring the poem to life, and it is a testament to his skill as a writer. The free-selector's daughter is a symbol of hope and perseverance, and her story is one that will inspire generations to come.
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