The Beauty And The Dude

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    A fresh sweet-scented beauty     Came tripping down the street;     She was as fair a vision     As you might chance to meet.     A masher raised his cady     (I dont want to be rude)     He raised it to the lady,     That fresh sweet-scented dude.     They met and talked and simpered     And giggled in the street;     They were as bright a vision     As you might wish to meet.     I dont know what theyre good for,     But dont want to be rude     To the fair sweet-scented beauty     Or the well-upholstered dude.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem provides a playful, slightly satirical snapshot of a romantic encounter on the street. The tone is light-hearted and observational, creating a sense of immediacy and engagement with the reader. The poet uses repetition and rhythm to convey the repetitiveness and predictability of such encounters, yet also infuses it with a sense of humor and charm.

The poem is characterized by its use of colloquial language and slang, such as 'masher', 'cady', and 'dude', which add a layer of cultural specificity and period authenticity. This choice of language also helps to create a conversational and accessible tone, inviting the reader to share in the poet's amused observation of the scene. The repeated phrase "as you might chance to meet" serves as a refrain that ties the stanzas together and underscores the casual, everyday nature of the scene depicted.

In terms of themes, the poem touches on the performative aspects of courtship and gender roles. The 'fresh sweet-scented beauty' and 'well-upholstered dude' are presented as slightly exaggerated, almost caricatured figures, suggesting a critique of societal expectations and norms. However, the poet's confession that they "don't know what they're good for" introduces a note of ambiguity and challenges the reader to consider the value and purpose of such social rituals.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.