The Corner-Man

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
I dreamt a dream at the midnight deep, When fancies come and go To vex a man in his soothing sleep With thoughts of awful woe, I dreamed that I was the corner man Of a nigger minstrel show. I cracked my jokes, and the building rang With laughter loud and long; I hushed the house as I softly sang An old plantation song, A tale of the wicked slavery days Of cruelty and wrong. A small boy sat on the foremost seat, A mirthful youngster he, He beat the time with his restless feet To each new melody, And he picked me out as the brightest star Of the black fraternity. "Oh, father," he said, "what would we do If the corner man should die? I never saw such a man, did you? He makes the people cry, And then, when he likes, he makes them laugh." The old man made reply: "We each of us fill a very small space On the great creation's plan, If a man don't keep his lead in the race There's plenty more that can; The world can very soon fill the place Of even a corner man." I woke with a jump, rejoiced to find Myself at home in bed, And I framed a moral in my mind From the words the old man said. The world will jog along just the same When the corner men are dead.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a simultaneously poignant and humorous exploration of human transience and the duality of life's joys and sorrows. The speaker, a performer in a minstrel show, dreams of his importance to his audience, particularly a young boy who sees him as the brightest star. The dream takes a turn, however, when the boy's father reminds him that everyone is replaceable, including the beloved corner man.

The poem's tone is a blend of melancholy and wry humor, underpinning a theme of life's constant change and our individual insignificance in the grand scheme of things. The structure is consistent and rhythmic, lending a musical quality that echoes the minstrel show setting. Literary devices include vivid imagery and personification, particularly in the depiction of the performer's dream and the audience's reactions.

The standout line, "The world will jog along just the same / When the corner men are dead," encapsulates the poem's central theme. The poet skillfully evokes both the fleeting nature of fame and the universal human experience of grappling with our own mortality. Despite the specific historical context, the poem's message remains relatable and timeless, reminding us of our shared human condition.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.