Poem Analysis - On The March

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Idealism

Henry Lawson's "On The March" is a melancholic reflection on the passage of time and the fading of youthful idealism. The poem contrasts the vibrant energy of a Labour movement march with the speaker's disillusionment, a feeling born from witnessing the struggles and eventual disappearance of those who fought for freedom years prior. The tone is initially nostalgic, tinged with regret, and gradually shifts to a weary acceptance of the world's harsh realities. The poem serves as a poignant commentary on the personal cost of social progress and the difficulty of maintaining unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

Historical Context: Lawson's Australia

While not explicitly stated in the provided information, Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer known for his depictions of the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback and his advocacy for the working class. This context is crucial, as the "Blackall, Hay, and Bourke" mentioned in the poem are all towns in rural Australia, areas where laborers often faced immense hardship. Lawson himself experienced poverty and struggled to find stable employment, experiences which likely informed his empathy for the "men who did the work" and his skepticism toward grand promises of societal change. Lawson’s work often reflected the growing labor movement in Australia at the time.

The Theme of Disillusionment: A Fading Fire

A central theme of the poem is the speaker's disillusionment with the Labour movement and the very idea of progress. This is evident in the lines "But my heart is scarcely quickened, and I never feel the glow;/ For I’ve learnt the world since then,/ And the hopelessness of men." The initial fervor and optimism have been replaced by a weary understanding of the world's complexities and the futility of certain endeavors. The phrase "the fire it burnt too fiercely more than fifteen years ago" suggests that the passion once burned intensely, but has now been extinguished by experience and observation. This theme is further reinforced by the contrast between the vibrant marching crowd and the speaker's emotional detachment.

The Vanishing Heroes: A Price of Progress

Another key theme is the loss and disappearance of those who fought for freedom. The poem repeatedly emphasizes the fate of these individuals: "Some are scattered, some are dead,/ By the shanty and the shed." The poem suggests that their efforts, though noble, have often gone unrewarded, and their sacrifices forgotten. The speaker's longing to "call them back again" underscores the personal loss and the sense of injustice. The fact that many of these men have either perished or become "gloomy, bitter men" suggests that the fight for freedom can take a significant toll on individuals, leaving them emotionally scarred and physically depleted.

Nostalgia and Regret: A Missed Opportunity

The poem also explores the theme of nostalgia and regret, particularly in the speaker's wish that "the storm had found me more than fifteen years ago!" This reveals a yearning for the youthful passion and idealism that he has lost. The speaker sees the current generation marching with "faces all aglow" and laments his own inability to share in their enthusiasm. This regret stems not only from the loss of idealism but also from a sense of missed opportunity, a feeling that he could have made a greater contribution to the cause when he was younger and more fervent. This regret is a powerful element of the poem's emotional impact.

Symbolism of the Drums and Banners: A Hollow Victory?

The drums and banners serve as recurring symbols throughout the poem. The drums represent the public display of the Labour movement's strength and progress, while the banners symbolize the ideals and principles for which they stand. However, for the speaker, these symbols have lost their original meaning. The drums no longer stir his heart, and the banners fail to evoke the same sense of hope and inspiration. This suggests that the speaker perceives a disconnect between the outward appearance of progress and the underlying realities of the human condition. Are these just symbols of a hollow victory?

Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection on Ideals and Reality

"On The March" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complexities of idealism, disillusionment, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery, a shift in tone, and recurring symbols, Henry Lawson captures the personal cost of social progress and the challenge of maintaining faith in the face of adversity. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to resonate with anyone who has experienced the fading of youthful ideals and the difficult reconciliation of hope and reality. It serves as a reminder that the fight for a better world is often fraught with hardship and disappointment, but that the sacrifices made along the way should not be forgotten.