The Ferryman's Arms: Themes; Duality

The Ferryman’s Arms: Themes; Duality

Overview of “The Ferryman’s Arms” Themes: Duality

• “The Ferryman’s Arms” explores the theme of duality, prevalent in many of Paterson’s works. This concept is illustrated by contrasting imagery and ideas, prevalent throughout the poem.
• The title itself denotes duality. In Greek mythology, the ferryman transports souls between life and death. An “arm” is a supportive part of the body. Thus, the ferryman stands as a symbol of transition or the in-between, mirroring the poem’s exploration of life and death.

Death and Life

• Throughout the poem, life and death are juxtaposed, reinforcing the theme of dualism. For instance, the mention of the darts game in a pub setting evokes lively images, contrasting eerily with narrations hinting at the imminence of death.
• The conversations shared amongst regulars, centred around day-to-day trivialities and the triviality of life itself, presents a stark opposition to the finality represented by death.

Fiction and Reality

• Another important duality is the interplay between fiction and reality. Paterson uses descriptive language to blur these lines, making readers question what’s real and what’s not.
• For instance, the ferryman’s tale seems exaggerated, making readers question whether they’re reading a fictional tale or a hyper-realistic account. The surreal aura is accentuated by the immersive metaphors used.

Past and Present Complementing Each Other

• Duality in “The Ferryman’s Arms” is also discernible in the juxtaposition of past and present, which are projected as parallel realities.
• The mention of historical aspects, such as previous tenants’ ghostly presences and past players’ scores in darts, creates a duality where past events loom large over the present.

Understanding the repetitive representation of dualism can help readers fathom the depth of Paterson’s “The Ferryman’s Arms”, enabling a more nuanced interpretation of this complex piece.