Poem Analysis - Mary Called Him Mister

Introduction: A Yearning Unspoken

Henry Lawson's "Mary Called Him ‘Mister’" is a poignant portrayal of lost connection and unspoken longing. The poem captures a moment of awkward reunion between two people who were once deeply in love but are now separated by perceived social barriers. The tone is melancholic and regretful, tinged with irony as the characters' stiff formality masks their true feelings. There's a palpable sense of missed opportunity, underscored by the repetition of their formal address. The poem evokes a feeling of sadness for what could have been, had pride and societal pressures not intervened.

The City's Influence: A Divide Formed

While specific historical context isn't explicitly provided in the poem, Lawson, as an Australian writer, often explored themes of rural life and the impact of urbanization. In this poem, the man's trip to the city has profoundly altered his behavior and his perception of himself. He has become a "swell," suggesting he has adopted city mannerisms and perhaps a sense of superiority that creates a social chasm between him and Mary, who remains a "country girl." This backdrop of rural versus urban sensibilities informs their awkward interaction and their inability to reconnect authentically. The social commentary inherent in the poem hints at the anxieties of a rapidly changing Australian society.

Unrequited Longing and Social Barriers

One of the central themes is the unrequited longing between Mary and John. The poem repeatedly emphasizes their past love ("They'd parted but a year before; they'd loved each other well"). Despite this, their present interaction is marked by formality and distance. This distance is created not by a lack of feeling, but by social barriers erected by John's perceived elevated status. He refers to her as "Miss Le Brook," and she calls him "Mister Gum," highlighting the chasm that has grown between them. The poem also explores the theme of communication breakdown. Their true emotions remain unspoken, trapped beneath layers of politeness and societal expectations. The line "But Mary called him ‘Mister,’ and the idiot called her ‘Miss.’" underscores the absurdity of their situation and the tragedy of their missed connection.

The Weight of Unspoken Words

The poem relies heavily on symbolism of action and lack of action. John's actions, such as "looked to left, he looked to right, and then he glanced behind," while contemplating accepting tea, symbolize his hesitation and self-consciousness. The "cabbage-tree," a type of hat, represents John's attempt to adopt a more sophisticated persona. His slow doffing of the hat is a measured, deliberate act meant to convey a sense of self-importance. Mary's shy apology about the "tough" meat and her concern about the sweetness of his tea symbolize her efforts to bridge the gap between them, yet these gestures are met with stiff formality. The image of her locking herself in her room and crying is a powerful representation of her heartbreak and the irreversible damage caused by their inability to communicate.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Connection Etched in Time

"Mary Called Him ‘Mister’" is a poignant snapshot of a love affair derailed by pride, societal expectations, and the fear of vulnerability. The poem's strength lies in its simplicity and its ability to capture the universal experience of unspoken emotions and missed opportunities. The formal address, "Mister" and "Miss," become symbolic barriers, representing the distance that has grown between two people who once shared a deep connection. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of authentic communication and the potential for loss when societal pressures overshadow genuine feelings. The image of Mary crying in her room, contrasted with John's sad and lonely ride, leaves a lasting impression of a poignant and avoidable tragedy.