Poem Analysis - Our Mistress And Our Queen

Introduction: A Hymn to an Ideal

Henry Lawson's "Our Mistress And Our Queen" is a fervent and passionate ode to an abstract entity, a "she" who commands unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. The poem is less a love poem in the conventional sense and more a patriotic anthem dedicated to an idealized concept. The tone is initially reverential and celebratory, shifting through moments of grim reality, violence, and ultimately, enduring hope and devotion. This unnamed "Mistress" evokes a sense of national identity, a cause worth dying for, and an inspiration for both artistic creation and revolutionary action.

Australia's Voice: Lawson's Nationalist Undertones

While Lawson's works often reflect on the hard realities of Australian bush life, in "Our Mistress And Our Queen," he taps into a broader sense of national identity and purpose. Although he was a socialist and his works often include anti-establishment views, he was an Australian nationalist. He seems to suggest something distinctly Australian, the spirit of mateship and egalitarianism in service of something greater. The diverse landscapes and experiences mentioned throughout the poem – from "buttercups and daisies" to "smoke and fire and dust" – mirrors the range of the Australian continent and its people.

The Allure of Sacrifice: Love, Death, and Devotion

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is the nature of sacrifice and unwavering devotion. The "Mistress" inspires a love so profound that her followers willingly "die all deaths for her." This is not a romantic love but a dedication to a cause, an ideal that transcends personal gain. The poem emphasizes that these "lovers" are "comrades true," bound by a shared commitment. The willingness to sacrifice for her is universal, encompassing "young, handsome, old and ugly, / Free, married or divorced." This widespread dedication highlights the power of the ideal the "Mistress" represents to unite disparate individuals.

Revolution and Rebirth: The Eternal Uprising

The poem also carries a heavy theme of revolution and constant rebirth. The "Mistress" inspires action and upheaval, calling her followers from their ordinary lives – "from the prison," "from the plain," "from our pleasures," "from our prayers." The imagery of violence and sacrifice is stark, with descriptions of "reeking pike[s]," "bloody revivals," and lovers fighting on "ice fields" or slaving in "rice fields." This suggests a perpetual struggle, a cycle of oppression and resistance. The line "To towns where men have risen/ Again, again, again!" points to a continuous struggle against tyranny.

Eternal Feminine: Symbolism of the "Mistress"

The "Mistress" is a complex symbol, representing an idealized form of freedom, justice, and national identity. Her physical description – "A cap of red rose red," "Her hair is like the raven," "Her blue eyes are a haven" – blends beauty with a hint of danger and mystery. The "cap of red rose red" is evocative of revolution and sacrifice. "Her soul is like the sea" suggests her vastness and unfathomable depth. Her claim "from Heaven...from Earth...hell-ward driven" implies the "Mistress" is an entity with a very wide ranging impact on the physical and spiritual worlds. What exactly the "Mistress" represents is open to interpretation. Is she a symbol for Australia itself, for freedom, justice or a national ideal? Perhaps this ambiguity is intentional, allowing each reader to project their own values and aspirations onto the figure.

Concluding Thoughts: An Enduring Legacy

"Our Mistress And Our Queen" is a powerful testament to the enduring human need for an ideal, a cause worth fighting for, and a sense of belonging. Lawson's poem transcends a simple love story, becoming a stirring call to action and a celebration of collective identity. While the poem acknowledges the violence and sacrifice inherent in the pursuit of such ideals, it ultimately affirms the enduring power of the "Mistress" to inspire and unite. The poem's lasting significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of shared purpose and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world, even amidst the harsh realities of life.