Opening Of The Railway Line

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

The opening of the railway line
The Governor and all,
With flags and banners down the street,
A banquet and a ball,
Hark to them at the station now !
They're raising cheer on cheer,
The man who brought the railway through,
Our friend the engineer.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, a celebration of progress and human achievement, revolves around the opening of a railway line, an event of monumental significance during the time of rapid industrialization. The use of communal pronouns like "our" and "they're" suggests a sense of collective pride and shared joy, underlining the theme of community unification through technological advancement.

The structure of the poem, with its rhymed quatrains, provides a rhythmic, almost march-like progression, mirroring the steady advance of the train it celebrates. The poet's tone is decidedly celebratory and admiring, particularly towards the figure of the engineer, who is hailed as a friend. Its standout literary device is personification, with the railway being attributed human qualities, which further emphasizes the close relationship between human endeavor and technological progress. The colorful imagery of flags, banners, banquet and ball paints a vivid picture of grand celebration, enhancing the poem’s triumphant spirit.

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.