Poem Analysis - Australias Peril

Henry Lawson's "Australia's Peril" is a stark warning, delivered with a fervent sense of urgency. The poem is a call to action, urging Australians to fortify their nation against a perceived looming threat. It oscillates between lament for past mistakes, condemnation of societal failings, and a passionate plea for a self-sufficient and populous Australia. The tone is initially mournful and accusatory, shifting toward a determined and nationalistic rallying cry.

A Nation's Regret: Confronting the Past

The poem grapples with Australia's involvement in foreign wars, questioning the cost of allegiance to England. The lines, "Who have taken the sword for no right of England and none of our own? (Can we bring back the husbands and fathers, can we bring back the lovers and sons? From the Dead to the homes we have ruined with the fire of our murdering guns?)" express a profound sense of regret and the futility of war. This section uses rhetorical questions to highlight the irreversible damage caused by conflict, suggesting that Australia has squandered its youth and potential in service of a foreign power. The image of "homes we have ruined with the fire of our murdering guns" powerfully conveys the destruction and loss brought upon Australian families.

Critique of Decadence and Neglect

Lawson sharply criticizes the perceived decadence and shortsightedness of Australian society. He laments the wealth squandered on "trips to the English Rome," "costly costumes from Paris," and "titles and gewgaws from home," arguing that these resources should be invested in strengthening the nation. He contrasts this frivolous spending with the real threats facing Australia, questioning whether "a knighthood [will] frighten Asia" or whether "the motor-launch [can] race the torpedo." This section highlights a disconnect between the elite's pursuits and the practical needs of the nation. The image of the "British Octopus" sucking Australia dry and "Bosses" enjoying leisure while the nation is at risk underscores the theme of internal weakness and vulnerability.

National Self-Reliance and Defense

The poem's central theme is the urgent need for Australia to become a self-reliant and defensible nation. Lawson advocates for investing in agriculture, industry, and education: "Keep the wealth you have won from the cities, spend the wealth you have won on the land, Save the floods that run into the ocean – save the floods that sink into the sand! Make farms fit to live on, build workshops and technical schools for your sons; Keep the wealth of the land in Australia – make your own cloth, machines, and guns!" He calls for immigration policies that favor European settlers ("Clear out the Calico Jimmy, the nigger, the Chow, and his pals;") and encourages population growth ("See that your daughters have children"). This is tied to the belief that a larger, more productive population will provide a bulwark against external threats. He envisions a nation prepared for "the storm that most surely must come", a powerful and ominous image signifying invasion or conflict.

Symbols of Vulnerability and Strength

Several key symbols reinforce the poem's message. The "English Rome" and "Paris" represent frivolous spending and cultural dependence, contributing to Australia's vulnerability. The "British Octopus" symbolizes England's exploitative relationship with Australia. In contrast, the "farms," "workshops," "technical schools," and "machines" represent the elements of national strength and self-sufficiency. The image of "floods" being saved for irrigation is particularly potent, symbolizing the untapped potential of the land and the need for resource management. Is the emphasis on white european population growth a purely nationalistic sentiment, or is it tinged with the racism common in the era the poem was written?

A Call to Action for a Nation's Survival

"Australia's Peril" is more than just a warning; it's a passionate call to action. Lawson uses vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and powerful symbols to convey his message of national urgency. The poem reveals a deep concern for Australia's future, urging its citizens to shed their complacency, embrace self-reliance, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The poem stands as a potent expression of early Australian nationalism, highlighting the anxieties and aspirations of a young nation seeking to forge its own identity and secure its future in a world perceived as hostile and threatening. Lawson is suggesting only the cultivation of agriculture, technology and immigration can lead to the survival of a Nation.