An Ecocritical Reading of Banjo Paterson’s Bush Ballad The Man from Snowy River

Abstract

Literature and nature have always shared an intimate correlation across cultures and throughout the ages. The world of literature reflects the beauty of nature, while ecological concerns and the continuous degradation of the environment have given rise to a new branch of literary theory: ecocriticism. This paper argues that the Australian bush ballads of A. B. “Banjo” Paterson embody the essence of ecocritical thinking. The poet emphasizes the vital relationship between living beings and the natural world, while also revealing how nature is endangered by human activity. The Australian bush ballad, with its cultural heritage, fauna, flora, and landscapes, has played a crucial role in shaping cultural identity. Paterson highlights the Australian poetic tradition, expressing his concern for both national identity and global ecological development. In almost every bush ballad, he foregrounds natural elements as central to his vision and demonstrates the interconnection between humans and nature. Therefore, this paper examines how The Man from Snowy River manifests an underlying ecocritical awareness. As an eco-conscious poet, Paterson metaphorically sheds light on the urgency of preserving nature from continuous devastation through his bush ballads.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199392021.2025.29-36.