Poem Analysis - And The Bairns Will Come

A Plea for Future Generations

Henry Lawson's "And The Bairns Will Come" is a passionate and poignant poem that serves as a powerful social commentary on the conditions hindering population growth in Australia. The poem begins with a tone of weary resignation, acknowledging the realization of harsh truths. It quickly shifts to a demanding tone, urging legislators to improve living conditions, promising future generations as a reward. The poem maintains a sense of urgency and hope, fueled by the belief that a better Australia will naturally lead to a thriving population.

The Weight of History and Hardship

Lawson, an Australian writer known for his realistic portrayals of Australian life, often focused on the struggles of the working class and rural communities. This poem is likely rooted in the socio-economic challenges of late 19th and early 20th century Australia, including economic depressions, urbanization leading to overcrowded cities, and the hardship faced by farmers in the outback. These circumstances contributed to a reluctance to have children, as parents worried about providing for them adequately in such difficult times. The poem is thus a direct response to this context, arguing for systemic change as a prerequisite for population growth.

The Promise of Future Generations

One of the prominent themes in the poem is national identity and duty. The poem invokes a sense of responsibility towards Australia, personifying the land as calling for its unconceived children. This subtly suggests that having children is not just a personal choice but a civic duty crucial for the nation's future. Another important theme is the struggle for survival and dignity. The poem highlights the hardships faced by ordinary Australians – the unemployed men in the cities, the overworked women in factories, and the struggling farmers in the West. These challenges create a barrier to raising families, emphasizing the need for fair wages, decent living conditions, and opportunities for all. A third theme is the contrast between wealth and poverty. The poem sharply criticizes the wealthy, suggesting they are unwilling to share the burden of creating a better society. This disparity underscores the injustice faced by the working class and the need for systemic change to ensure everyone has the opportunity to raise a family.

Symbols of Hope and Despair

The poem employs several evocative symbols. "Bairns," a Scottish word for children, which is used in some parts of Australia, represent hope and the future of the nation. Their absence symbolizes a nation struggling to fulfill its potential. The "city's wheel of greed" is a vivid image of the exploitative capitalist system that traps young men in a cycle of unemployment and prevents them from starting families. The "desert of the West" symbolizes not only the physical hardships faced by farmers but also the emotional and spiritual emptiness that can result from a life of constant struggle. This creates a compelling contrast to the promise of a fertile and prosperous future, a future that can only be realized through systemic change.

A Call for a Better Tomorrow

"And The Bairns Will Come" is a powerful plea for social justice and economic reform, using the promise of future generations as a compelling motivator. The poem emphasizes that a thriving population is not simply a matter of personal choice but is dependent on creating a fair and equitable society. By highlighting the struggles of the working class and contrasting them with the indifference of the wealthy, Lawson calls for a fundamental shift in priorities. The poem's enduring significance lies in its articulation of the belief that a better Australia is possible, and that this better Australia will naturally lead to a flourishing population, ensuring the nation's future.