The Scorcher And The Howling Swell

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
The Scorcher and the Howling Swell were riding through the land; They wept like anything to see the hills on every hand; "If these were only leveled down," they said, "it would be grand." "If every bloke that rides a bike put in a half-a-crown, Do you suppose," the Scorcher said, "that that would cut them down?" "I doubt it," said the Howling Swell, and frowned a doleful frown. "Oh, ladies, come and ride with us," the Scorcher did entreat, "A little ride across the park and down the smoothest street, And you will have a chance to show your very dainty feet." The Scorcher rode up all the hills, as if the same were flat; "It's very rude," the ladies said, "to ride as fast as that; For all of us are out of breath - and some of us are fat." "Cheer up, cheer up, my ladies gay," the Howling Swell replied; "Behold a tea-shop by the way, with Globe Brand Tea inside; And all who drink the Globe Brand Tea up any hill can ride." And every lady in the band revived on Globe Brand Tea, That Atcherley and Dawson sell in George Street, near the Quay, And Howling Swells and Scorchers both proclaim its purity.

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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 lively narrative piece that employs humor, satire, and a touch of the absurd to explore societal trends and commercialism. The two main characters, the Scorcher and the Howling Swell, are caricatures representing different facets of society. With their eccentric names and exaggerated behaviors, they offer a critique of societal norms, particularly those related to gender and physical prowess.

The poem's structure is rhythmically consistent, adhering to a regular rhyme scheme that contributes to its upbeat, almost jovial, tone. However, beneath the lighthearted veneer, the poet cleverly uses irony and satire to reveal a deeper commentary on society's obsession with leveling down obstacles, whether physical as in the hills, or metaphorical.

In the final lines, the poem takes an unexpected turn into the realm of commercial endorsement. This shift serves a dual purpose. On one level, it satirizes the omnipresence and persuasive power of commercial advertising, as encapsulated by the miraculous abilities attributed to the "Globe Brand Tea." On another level, this twist underlines the poem's exploration of societal norms, by tying the ladies' ability to participate in the ride to their consumption of a product. Thus, the poem cleverly uses humor and satire to critique societal expectations and the power of commercialism.

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.