The Road to Gundagai

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
The mountain road goes up and down From Gundagai to Tumut Town And, branching off, there runs a track Across the foothills grim and black, Across the plains and ranges grey To Sydney city far away. * * * * * It came by chance one day that I From Tumut rode to Gundagai, And reached about the evening tide The crossing where the roads divide; And, waiting at the crossing place, I saw a maiden fair of face, With eyes of deepest violet blue, And cheeks to match the rose in hue, The fairest maids Australia knows Are bred among the mountain snows. Then, fearing I might go astray, I asked if she could show the way. Her voice might well a man bewitch, Its tones so supple, deep, and rich. "The tracks are clear," she made reply, "And this goes down to Sydney Town, And that one goes to Gundagai." Then slowly, looking coyly back, She went along the Sydney track And I for one was well content To go the road the lady went; But round the turn a swain she met, The kiss she gave him haunts me yet! * * * * * I turned and travelled with a sigh The lonely road to Gundagai.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, rich with the imagery of the Australian landscape, is a narrative journey that explores themes of longing, unrequited love, and the path not taken. The poet vividly describes the mountain road, the grim and black foothills, the grey plains and ranges, and the distant Sydney city, creating a sense of the vast and diverse terrain. This serves as a metaphorical backdrop to the narrator's emotional journey.

The poem is structured in a rhythmic, rhyming scheme, which lends a certain musicality to the narrative. The tone is reflective and nostalgic, and the poet uses a variety of literary devices to underscore these feelings. The maiden with "eyes of deepest violet blue" and "cheeks to match the rose in hue" is a romanticized image, almost an idealization, of unattainable love. The poignant moment when she kisses another swain and the narrator's subsequent decision to take the "lonely road to Gundagai" symbolizes the heartache of unrequited love and the choice to move forward despite disappointment. The recurring reference to the roads leading to Sydney and Gundagai underscores the theme of life's choices and the paths we take, which is an echo of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken". The poem is a beautiful blend of vivid imagery, emotional depth, and understated wisdom, making it a compelling piece of literature.

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.