Poem Analysis - Advertisement For Heans Essence

A Dose of Humor and Health

Henry Lawson's "Advertisement For Hean's Essence" is a brief, humorous, and distinctly Australian poem. It mimics the style of a simple advertisement, using colloquial language and repetition to drive home its message. The tone is lighthearted and persuasive, aiming to convince the reader of the efficacy of the advertised product. While not profound in its subject matter, the poem offers a snapshot of early 20th-century Australian vernacular and advertising techniques.

An Echo of the Aussie Vernacular

Henry Lawson was a prolific Australian writer known for his short stories and poems that often depicted the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback and the struggles of the working class. While this poem is explicitly an advertisement, it still reflects Lawson's skill in capturing the authentic voice of the common Australian. The use of phrases like "yer gotter corf about yer" and "feelin’ orf" immediately places the poem within a specific cultural context, highlighting the informal and direct communication style prevalent at the time.

The Illusion of Health and Wellness

One of the central themes, albeit a simple one, is the promise of improved health through a readily available remedy. The poem directly addresses the symptom, "corf" (cough), and presents Hean's Essence as a straightforward solution. This reflects a common desire for quick fixes and the appeal of simple, easily accessible healthcare solutions, especially perhaps in a time before complex medical understanding was widespread. The brevity and directness of the poem further emphasize the idea that a single product can solve a common ailment, creating a sense of hope and ease for the reader. This can be seen from the lines: "Take HEAN’S ESSENCE – It will rid yer of that corf. That’s a cert."

The Power of Repetition

The poem employs repetition of the phrase "Gotter corf –" to emphasize the prevalence and bothersomeness of the ailment. This rhythmic repetition also mimics the sound of coughing itself, embedding the problem in the reader's mind. Furthermore, the statement "That's a cert" is a particularly strong assertion in simple Australian slang which leaves the reader with no doubt. This repetitive structure serves to hammer home the message and make it memorable, a key element in effective advertising. The simplicity of the language also contributes to the poem's persuasive power, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Horse Sense and Cures

The phrase "Have some horse sense" is a particularly evocative image within the poem. It is presented as a clever and knowing piece of advice, to take the Hean's Essence medicine. The image of 'horse sense', or being sensible, is one that suggests a back-to-basics way of living and thinking, perhaps appealing to an agrarian community. It is using a type of rhetoric that suggests the remedy is so simple that even an animal would know it. It could also be interpreted as subtly invoking a sense of rural authenticity, resonating with a population connected to the land. The pairing of the medical advice with the saying "Have some horse sense" is a clever way to engage the reader's mind, thus creating a mental link that will be hard to forget.

A Lasting Impression

In conclusion, "Advertisement For Hean's Essence" is a small but effective poem that showcases Lawson's ability to capture the Australian vernacular and create a memorable message. While seemingly simplistic, the poem cleverly uses repetition, direct language, and a relatable image to promote its product. It serves as a fascinating glimpse into early advertising techniques and the cultural values of the time, revealing a world where a simple remedy and a dose of "horse sense" could be the answer to common ailments.