Poetry offers insights into social commentary, in particular the way we treat our world. Many poems are written about our uncaring society. I believe Bruce Dawe wrote “Search and Destroy” with this idea in mind. The poem discusses the destruction and exploitation of Australian landscape. “Search and Destroy” comments on societies arrogant dominance and our negligence towards our world. The poem conveys a message warning us that if we do not do anything now, our natural world will fall apart. “Search and Destroy” is supposed to be a poem that celebrates the Bi-Centenary of Australia, however Da

we indicates that we do not have anything to celebrate. The final lines, “Two hundred more years like the last and what then shall withstand the blast”, show Dawe’s attitude to the way Australians treat the world. He suggests that in another two hundred years time there will not be anything left to destroy. Where “Search and Destroy” discusses the need to reform the way we treat our surroundings, “Like This for Years” by Michael Dransfield discusses the lack of support for Australian artists. He is an Australian poet, and feels the lack of support from Australians. This social commentary suggests Australians are apathetic towards Australian poets and do not show any respect. Dransfield’s poem suggests the difficulties of being a poet, and as he says, “ to be a poet in Australia is the ultimate commitment.” It presents insights into social commentary, in particular the relationship between poets and everyone else, like Dransfield says, “ …Knowing you are completely alone in a desert full of strangers.” The strangers are everyone else in Australia and he is stranded amongst them - an outcast. Poetry can be seen as social commentary, but the poet initiates the idea from his or her point of view. I believe both Dawe and Dransfield wrote their poems to express their beliefs to society. They felt strongly about these issues, and felt it was their duty to educate society about them. Like Dawe and Dransfield, other poets feel the need to write about issue

Some topics in this essay:
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