'Andy's Gone With Cattle' by Henry Lawson


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Oct. 1888Our Andy's gone to battle now
'Gainst Drought, the red marauder;
Our Andy's gone with cattle now
Across the Queensland border.He's left us in dejection now;
Our hearts with him are roving.
It's dull on this selection now,
Since Andy went a-droving.Who now shall wear the cheerful face
In times when things are slackest?
And who shall whistle round the place
When Fortune frowns her blackest?Oh, who shall cheek the squatter now
When he comes round us snarling?
His tongue is growing hotter now
Since Andy cross'd the Darling.The gates are out of order now,
In storms the 'riders' rattle;
For far across the border now
Our Andy's gone with cattle.Poor Aunty's looking thin and white;
And Uncle's cross with worry;
And poor old Blucher howls all night
Since Andy left Macquarie.Oh, may the showers in torrents fall,
And all the tanks run over;
And may the grass grow green and tall
In pathways of the drover;And may good angels send the rain
On desert stretches sandy;
And when the summer comes again
God grant 'twill bring us Andy.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Andy's Gone With Cattle: A Literary Masterpiece

Henry Lawson's "Andy's Gone with Cattle" is a classic poem that captures the essence of Australian bush life. This poem is a tribute to the life of the Australian drover, who drives cattle across vast distances in the outback. In this literary masterpiece, Lawson uses a range of literary devices and techniques to create a vivid and evocative picture of the Australian bush and the people who live and work there.

Structure and Form

The structure and form of "Andy's Gone with Cattle" are in keeping with Lawson's style. The poem is written in rhyming quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The rhythm is predominantly iambic, but there are variations in the meter to provide emphasis and create a sense of urgency.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The stanzas are linked by the repetition of the opening line, "Out on the dour-run". This repetition creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the idea that the drover's life is one of endless repetition and routine.

Imagery

Lawson's use of imagery in "Andy's Gone with Cattle" is particularly effective in creating a vivid and evocative picture of the Australian bush. He uses a range of sensory images, such as the "sultry haze" and the "blue, unclouded weather", to create a sense of the heat and dryness of the outback.

The use of personification is also a key feature of the poem. The "windless plains" are described as "sighing", and the "trembling heat" is described as "quivering". This personification creates a sense of movement and life in the landscape, despite its apparent stillness.

Themes

The themes of "Andy's Gone with Cattle" are closely linked to the life of the Australian drover. The poem explores the themes of isolation, endurance, and the harshness of the Australian landscape. It also celebrates the resilience and resourcefulness of the drover, who is able to survive in these harsh conditions.

The poem also touches on the theme of the passing of time. The repetition of the opening line, "Out on the dour-run", creates a sense of the endless repetition of the drover's life. The final stanza, however, hints at the idea that the drover's life may be coming to an end, with the lines:

And though his words are gay to-day
His heart is out of tune;

This creates a sense of melancholy and the passing of time, as the drover faces the prospect of ageing and the end of his life on the road.

Language and Tone

Lawson's use of language in "Andy's Gone with Cattle" is simple and direct, reflecting the language of the Australian bush. The use of colloquialisms, such as "dour-run" and "jinker", creates a sense of authenticity and realism.

The tone of the poem is one of admiration and respect for the life of the drover. The drover is portrayed as a hero, enduring the harshness of the outback with stoicism and courage. The final stanza, however, hints at a sense of sadness and regret, as the drover faces the prospect of the end of his life on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Andy's Gone with Cattle" is a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of Australian bush life. Lawson's use of imagery, structure, form, language, and tone create a vivid and evocative picture of the Australian landscape and the people who live and work there. This poem is a tribute to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Australian drover, and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Australian bush.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Classic Poetry of Henry Lawson: Andy's Gone With Cattle

Henry Lawson is one of the most celebrated poets of Australian literature. His works are known for their vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and the struggles of the working-class people. One of his most famous poems is "Andy's Gone With Cattle," which tells the story of a drover who leaves his family to take his cattle to a distant market. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.

The Story of Andy's Gone With Cattle

The poem begins with the narrator describing the scene of a drover, Andy, leaving his home to take his cattle to a distant market. The narrator describes Andy's wife and children bidding him farewell, with tears in their eyes. The drover is depicted as a rugged, hardworking man who is used to the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. He is accompanied by his loyal dog, which is a common motif in Australian literature.

As Andy and his cattle move further away from his home, the narrator describes the changing landscape. The lush green fields give way to dry, dusty plains, and the drover and his dog are the only signs of life in the vast expanse. The poem captures the loneliness and isolation of the drover's life, as he spends weeks on the road with only his cattle and dog for company.

The poem ends with the narrator describing the drover's return home, after having sold his cattle at the market. Andy is welcomed back by his family, who are overjoyed to see him again. The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the narrator suggesting that Andy's hard work and sacrifice have paid off, and he can now enjoy the fruits of his labor with his loved ones.

Themes and Imagery in Andy's Gone With Cattle

One of the main themes of the poem is the harshness of life in the Australian outback. The poem vividly describes the dry, dusty plains and the isolation of the drover's life. The imagery of the vast expanse of the outback, with no signs of life except for the drover and his dog, creates a sense of loneliness and desolation. The poem also highlights the hard work and sacrifice that is required to make a living in such a harsh environment.

Another theme of the poem is the importance of family and community. The poem depicts the emotional farewell between Andy and his family, and the joyous reunion when he returns home. The poem suggests that despite the harshness of life in the outback, the bonds of family and community are what give people the strength to endure.

The imagery in the poem is also significant. The description of the changing landscape as Andy and his cattle move further away from his home creates a sense of distance and separation. The contrast between the lush green fields and the dry, dusty plains highlights the harshness of the outback environment. The image of the drover and his dog as the only signs of life in the vast expanse of the outback emphasizes the isolation and loneliness of the drover's life.

Literary Devices in Andy's Gone With Cattle

Henry Lawson's use of literary devices in "Andy's Gone With Cattle" adds depth and richness to the poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The vivid descriptions of the landscape and the drover's life create a powerful visual image in the reader's mind. The use of personification, such as "the wind-harried old mimosa" and "the sunburnt grasses dun," adds to the vividness of the imagery.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Andy's gone with cattle" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of the drover's journey. The repetition of the phrase also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.

The use of symbolism is also significant in the poem. The drover's dog is a symbol of loyalty and companionship, and its presence throughout the poem emphasizes the drover's isolation and the importance of companionship in such a harsh environment. The cattle are also a symbol of the drover's livelihood and the hard work required to make a living in the outback.

Conclusion

"Andy's Gone With Cattle" is a classic poem of Australian literature, capturing the harshness of life in the outback and the importance of family and community. Henry Lawson's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism adds depth and richness to the poem, creating a powerful visual image in the reader's mind. The poem is a testament to the resilience and hard work of the working-class people of Australia, and a reminder of the importance of companionship and community in the face of adversity.

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