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THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER- COMMENTARY  ‘The Man from Snowy River,’ is a ballad by Banjo Paterson written in 1892 representing Australian Bush life during the 19th century. Patterson uses effective language techniques and poetic devices to idealize the bush and its characters. It is written in ballad form as ballads were popular at the time of release.

Firstly, the author celebrates the Australian male by exclusively using them as the story’s main characters. There are no female characters therefore a woman’s perspective is silenced throughout the story. “…And Clancy of the overflow came down to lend a hand, no better horseman ever held the reins.” The introduction of the characters and immediate praise signifies the Australian male in a positive manner. Patterson also often uses similes to symbolize certain characteristics of individuals in the ballad. For instance, “…The old man with his hair as white as snow,” here, he uses Harrison’s appearance to symbolize leadership, wisdom and age which are common features of the old Australian male. The author also uses superlatives to emphasize his point. “So Clancy rode to wheel them – he was racing on the win, where the best and boldest riders take their place.” The use of ‘best and boldest’ highlights Clancy’s reputation and demonstrates heroicness.

Thirdly, Patterson positions us to accept that those who live in the bush are tough and enjoy the challenges of life in the bush by his use of personification. “For the Bushmen loved hard riding where the wild bush horses are and the stock horse snuffs the battle with delight.” The effect of personification of horses being delighted by battle proves that Bushmen enjoy challenges and that they are adventurous.  Metaphors are frequently used throughout the ballad convey messages. For example, “ There was Harrison, who made his pile when Pardon won the cup,” the word ‘pile’ replaces the term ‘money’ which emphasizes on the amount. It also makes the audience imagine a ‘pile’ of cash, which if you are rich you would have in Australia in the 1900’s. No one put their earnings in a bank, especially in the bush, but instead a pile of cash.

‘The Man from Snowy River’ is filled with ideas about the bush and its characters. The author, Banjo Patterson conveys this through numerous language techniques and poetic devices which gives us a clearer and deeper understanding of Australian bush life.