Country Towns John Slessor Analysis

Words: 1185
Pages: 5

Compare and contrast what Slessor is saying about Australia in poems Country Towns and William Street. In your response you must analyse the effect of the techniques.

A comparative study of Slessor’s poems, Country Towns and William Street emphasises the quality of approach and perspective; all of which are essential for appreciation. Both poems illustrate the poet’s recollections of the Australian landscape, affirming positive feelings towards the urban and rural setting, creating feelings of nostalgia. Whilst simultaneously apprehending the different environments, these texts also reflect upon the role of memory and the importance of gratitude through various techniques. Ultimately both poems express their differing understandings in relation to the various aspects of the Australian Suburbia in ways that are discrete from other poems about Australia.

It is apparent that Slessor means to evoke feelings of self-satisfaction and contentment of rural simplicity in Country Towns. Slessor assumes the truthfulness and gratification of the rural environment and are distinctly different aspects of representing the countryside. This is evident through Slessor’s employment of alliteration in the first stanza, “And farmers bouncing on barrel mares “emphasising the movement of the farmer on his horse and the lack
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Both poems highlight that perspective is the intrinsic provision behind appreciation. Country towns and William Street are similar in that both poems shed a positive light on the differing landscapes. Whilst Country towns highlights the relaxed and sleazy atmosphere of the country unaffected by time, William Street comprehends the infamous and corrupt reputation of the street showing that time is fast flowing and precious. Both poems widely expand on the branches of perspective to allow for appreciation for both Australian