Focus Question: Using a few of his poems as examples, how effective are Kenneth Slessor's poems in revealing his identity as a man and a poet?
             It was once said that poems, though brief and whatever quality, serve as a look into the eyes of the poet. They are expressions of the poet's emotions and thoughts through purpose, subject matter, themes, tone, messages and style. The poems of Australian Kenneth Slessor are powerful in illustrating his identity not just superficially as a poet, but also as a normal man with his own concerns, living his everyday life – a civilian. Firstly they are effective because they are of his own style and interests, illustrating Slessor as an individual poet and person. Secondly, through manipulation of their components, Slessor's poems reveal much detail of his personality and mentality as a normal man. In addition, they reflect the influences in his civilian life such as family, education and associates. Lastly, the actual efficiency of Slessor's manipulations fundamentally reflects his skill and therefore identity as a poet.
             Slessor's poems are unlike the traditional ballads of Patterson and Lawson favoured in Australian society during his day. Slessor steers clear of common 'bush and stockmen' themes. His poems focuses instead on issues of personal interest and that affect his immediate environment. The inspiration of 'Captain Dobbin', about the retirement of sea captain, is from living near Sydney Harbour and an acquaintance with a Captain Bayldon. Since his concerns are different, there is subsequently no need to abide by customary rhythmic ballad form and style. Slessor experiments with different types such as the lyric form of the elegy 'Beach Burial'. The almost prose-like form of 'Captain Dobbin' showcases both his journalistic technique of extensive description and imagery laden poetic technique. Slessor is characterised...