Poem Analysis - An Australian Advertisement

A Call for the Resilient Australian Spirit

Henry Lawson's "An Australian Advertisement" is a robust and patriotic call to action, celebrating the virtues of hard work and resilience in the face of hardship. The poem paints a vivid picture of the ideal Australian worker – someone willing to endure harsh conditions and contribute to the development of the nation's interior. Its tone is initially exclusionary, rejecting those deemed unfit, before shifting to an admiring and celebratory stance towards the desired individual. The poem ends with a promise of honor and recognition for those who answer the call.

Echoes of the Bushman's Struggle

Lawson's poem is deeply rooted in the historical context of late 19th-century Australia, a time of significant expansion and development in the outback. Australia, and the rural areas, were suffering economic depression in the 1890s. The poem can be seen as a reflection of the need for hardy laborers to populate and cultivate the vast, unforgiving landscape. Lawson himself was a champion of the working class and often depicted their struggles and triumphs in his writings. "An Australian Advertisement" aligns with this theme, promoting the values of self-reliance, perseverance, and contribution to the nation's growth. It presents the reader a picture of hardship, but also, a clear and viable solution.

The Value of Hard Work and Grit

One of the central themes of the poem is the glorification of hard work. Lawson explicitly rejects those who "shirk the sweat of the brow" and are "frightened to look for work." The ideal worker, conversely, is someone who "sticks a swag on his shoulders broad" and ventures into the harsh outback in search of employment. This theme underscores the importance of physical labor and the willingness to endure hardship in order to earn a living. The poem suggests that genuine worth is found not in wealth or social status, but in one's capacity for hard work and dedication to their craft.

Conquering the Land: Perseverance and Resilience

Another prominent theme is that of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The poem emphasizes the challenges of the Australian outback – "the drouth and...the rain," "the burning sand," and "the lonely Western land." The ideal worker is one who can "brave" these hardships and "fight his sorrows down," demonstrating a strong will and an unwavering commitment to their task. The poem suggests that the true pioneer is not simply someone who settles in a new place, but someone who actively overcomes obstacles and contributes to the betterment of their community despite those obstacles.

Building the Nation: Contribution and Community

Finally, the poem promotes the theme of contribution to the community and the nation. The ideal worker is not only hard-working and resilient, but also actively involved in "garden[ing] the inland plain" and "build[ing] the inland town." This highlights the importance of individual effort in contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the country. The poem suggests that those who dedicate themselves to building and improving the nation will be rewarded with honor and recognition, becoming integral figures in the development of Australian society.

Swags, Boots, and the Outback: Symbols of Australian Identity

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's message. The "swag," a bundle of possessions carried by itinerant workers, symbolizes self-reliance and the willingness to travel in search of work. The "blucher boots" represent the practical, hard-wearing nature of the working class. The "lonely Western land" evokes the vastness and harshness of the Australian outback, testing the limits of human endurance. These images collectively paint a picture of the archetypal Australian worker: a rugged, resourceful individual who is deeply connected to the land and dedicated to its development.

A Lasting Image of the Ideal Australian

"An Australian Advertisement" is a powerful and enduring portrait of the ideal Australian worker, celebrating the virtues of hard work, resilience, and community contribution. The poem's message resonates with the historical context of Australia's development and the challenges faced by those who sought to build a life in the outback. Ultimately, the poem serves as a call to action, urging readers to embrace the values of self-reliance and perseverance in order to contribute to the nation's growth and prosperity. It establishes an image of the sort of person most capable of prospering in the harsh, unforgiving, yet ultimately rewarding conditions of rural Australia.