The Theme Of Heroism In 'A Prouder Man Than You'

Australian poetry has always and will always have significant value to the Australian culture as it allows us to have an insight into the thoughts, hearts and ideas of the society in which they are produced. Australian poetry has been used to reflect and represent the changing idea of the Australian ‘hero’ over different time periods through the use of aesthetic features, the theme of heroism and the poet’s attitudes, values and perspectives. The three poems being analysed include; Song of the cattle by Henry Kendall, The Meaning of War by Katherine Gallagher, and A prouder man than you by Henry Lawson. Song of the cattle, written in the bush pioneering era by Henry Kendall, effectively develops the theme of heroism by its representation …show more content…
The poem develops the theme of heroism through the use of aesthetic features and the representation of Lawson’s idea of the Australian hero. Henry Lawson perceived the Australian hero to be the typical man with the right attributes. He thought a man or the ‘Australian hero’ should not pride themselves on money or fortune, however should pride themselves on their friendships and ability to ‘conquer pride’. Lawson has used imagery and rhyme in continuous lines in order to influence the reader that the theme of heroism is developed. As he states, “If you think that your profession has the more gentility…And that you are condescending to be seen along with me; …If you notice that I 'm shabby while your clothes are spruce and new…You have only got to hint it: I 'm a prouder man than you!”. The imagery illustrated when stated that ‘I’m shabby while your clothes are spruce and new’ displays Henry’s perspective on the Australian hero. In juxtaposition with how the Australian hero is perceived in the above two poems analysed, it shows that the identity of the Australian hero is changing as time increases. Henry has used connotation to again refer to the Australian hero as a man that has his heart on his sleeve and a man of admiral attributes. “If you 're proud because of fortune or the clever things you do…Then I 'll play no second fiddle: I 'm a prouder man than you!”. This poem has great value to the Australian society as it displays the attributes and values a real Australian hero should have and allows the society of now to learn from it and adapt. Therefore, the identity of the Australian hero is depicted by Henry Lawson’s use of aesthetic features and his personal perspective on the topic which further creates the theme of