Poem Analysis - Give Yourself A Show New Years Eve

Henry Lawson’s "Give Yourself A Show: New Year’s Eve" is a poem of urgent, if somewhat weary, appeal. Written on the cusp of a new year, it's less a celebration and more a direct address to various groups the speaker identifies as flawed or misguided. The tone is initially conversational, even cynical, acknowledging the futility of New Year's resolutions. However, it evolves into a plea for self-reflection, compassion, and societal responsibility, revealing a deeper hope for redemption.

A Call for Personal Redemption and Societal Change

One of the central themes of the poem is the possibility of personal redemption. Lawson addresses individuals indulging in self-destructive behaviors, such as those who "drink for drinking’s sake" or "love for lust alone." He urges them to reconsider their paths, saying, "Give your souls a chance." This theme is developed through direct address and a tone of compassionate understanding, suggesting that even those deeply entrenched in vice can find a way back to a more fulfilling existence. The phrase "Give yourselves a show" implies that each individual has the potential for something better within them, needing only the opportunity to manifest it.

Challenging Inequality and Selfishness

The poem also grapples with the theme of social inequality and the responsibility of the privileged. Lawson directly addresses those "who want all things on earth," those with "more than you want, even than you know." He challenges them to consider their relative abundance and to "give someone else a show." This theme is conveyed through stark contrast, highlighting the disparity between the haves and have-nots. The tone shifts here to a more critical one, bordering on accusatory, emphasizing the moral imperative for those in positions of power and privilege to act with generosity and empathy.

Exposing Hypocrisy and Promoting Integrity

Another prominent theme is the exposure of hypocrisy and the importance of personal integrity, particularly in public life. Lawson targets "mischief-makers" and "the politician" who prioritize personal gain over the common good. He criticizes the former for their gossiping and the latter for betraying their country. The imagery of a politician "pandering to the hollow crowd" and "toadying to the low" is particularly vivid, painting a picture of moral bankruptcy. The call to "give the man a show" can be interpreted as a plea for fairness and understanding, but it is also laced with a challenge: judge others only after examining your own conscience.

Symbols of Opportunity and Reflection

The recurring image of "a show" acts as a multifaceted symbol. On one level, it represents opportunity – the chance to improve oneself, to extend generosity, or to demonstrate integrity. On another level, it is a challenge, a dare to live up to one's potential. New Year's Eve itself is a potent symbol of new beginnings and the potential for change, but Lawson subverts the traditional celebratory tone, using it instead as a moment for serious introspection and a call to action. Perhaps the most ambiguous part is the implied question of whether people are inherently good or evil. Is giving someone a show inherently a good act or could it lead to further complications?

A New Year's Plea for Transformation

In conclusion, "Give Yourself A Show: New Year's Eve" is a powerful and complex poem that transcends the typical New Year's sentimentality. It’s a call for both individual and collective transformation, urging readers to confront their flaws, embrace their potential, and act with greater compassion and integrity. Lawson’s poem offers a poignant reminder that true change begins with self-awareness and a willingness to give oneself, and others, a chance to shine. It is a message that resonates beyond its specific historical context, offering enduring insights into the human condition and the challenges of building a more just and equitable society.