Banjo Paterson – Waltzing Matilda
Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda (1895) is Australia’s most famous folk ballad, often called the country’s “unofficial national anthem.” The poem narrates the story of a wandering swagman (a travelling labourer) who stops beside a billabong (waterhole), encounters a sheep, and is chased by troopers. The ballad blends humour, tragedy, rebellion, and national spirit.
Summary of the Poem
The poem begins with a swagman camping near a billabong. He prepares his simple meal (boiling tea in a “billy”). As he waits, a sheep (“jumbuck”) comes to drink at the waterhole. Driven by hunger, the swagman steals the sheep and hides it in his bag.
Soon, three policemen (“troopers”) arrive with the squatter (sheep-owner). They accuse the swagman of theft. Instead of surrendering, the swagman jumps into the billabong and drowns.
According to the ballad, his ghost still haunts the billabong, and travellers can hear him singing:
“Who’ll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?”
The phrase “waltzing Matilda” means “walking with one’s belongings in a swag” — the swag (bedroll) is metaphorically called “Matilda.”
Context & Background
- The ballad reflects life in rural Australia in the late 19th century.
- Inspired by the 1894 shearers’ strike, which involved conflict between workers and wealthy squatters.
- The swagman represents struggling working-class Australians.
- The squatter and troopers represent colonial authority and exploitation.
Major Themes
- Freedom & Wanderer’s Life – The swagman lives independently, following his own path.
- Class Conflict – Tension between poor workers and rich squatters.
- Authority vs. Rebellion – The swagman chooses death over capture, symbolising defiance.
- Australian Identity – Outback landscape, humour, bravery and larrikin spirit.
- Tragedy of Poverty – Hunger forces the swagman to steal a sheep.
- Folklore & Legend – The ghostly ending turns a simple event into national mythology.
Symbols in the Poem
- Swagman – Free spirit; poor but independent Australian worker.
- Billabong – Rural Australian landscape; place of life and death.
- Jumbuck (sheep) – Wealth of squatters; contrast between rich and poor.
- Troopers – Colonial law and social oppression.
- Ghostly refrain – Immortality of folk culture and resistance.
Poetic Devices
- Ballad Form – Narrative song with rhythm and repetition.
- Dialect Words – “swagman,” “billabong,” “jumbuck,” “billy,” “troopers.”
- Repetition – Reinforces the song-like quality.
- Imagery – Vivid pictures of Australian outback.
- Irony – Humorous tone despite tragic ending.
Critical Analysis
- Paterson transforms a simple incident into a national symbol of identity.
- The poem celebrates courage, humour and resilience of ordinary Australians.
- The swagman becomes a folk hero who resists social inequality.
- The poem subtly critiques colonial power and police authority.
- Its catchy tune and storytelling made it a cultural cornerstone of Australia.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Banjo Paterson |
| Poem | Waltzing Matilda (1895) |
| Genre | Ballad / Folk Song |
| Setting | Australian Outback (billabong) |
| Protagonist | Swagman (travelling labourer) |
| Key Theme | Freedom, identity, rebellion |
| Symbol | “Matilda” = swag / belongings bag |
| Message | The spirit of the free, rebellious Australian lives on. |
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