I wondered, what those who have an interest in C.J.Dennis would think of this article.
I've lost the article now, it might have been in the Weekend Australian, but I remember that it was by Suzanne Archer, a contemporary Australian poet.
Suzanne Archer put forward her theory that C.J. Dennis was very much influenced by Rudyard Kipling. To support this idea she pointed out that Rudyard Kipling had published a book called Barrack Room Ballads and Other Verses. These were mainly about British Army life and depicted the soldiers in their plain ways, hard life and unsophisticated speech. Kipling made poetry to celebrate the common men who were not so well regarded by " society " This book includes such famous pieces as Gungadin and Danny Deever.
C.J.Dennis produced a book with similarly titled Backblock Ballads and Other Verses. Dennis's book was also about the " common " people with their plain ways and unsophisicated speech, people regarded as " lower" classes by society. Sort of social realism like Kipling. This book of Dennis's included some of the Songs of the Sentimental Bloke.
Interesting theory. I don't think it should detract from either man's stature and Suzanne Archer didn't suggest that. . Just a fascinating insight into how influences in the arts ebb and flow.
