Poem Analysis - Peddling Round The World

A Peddler Nation: England's Imperial Ambitions

Henry Lawson's "Peddling Round The World" presents a complex and at times contradictory view of England's imperial history. The poem's tone shifts between a folksy, almost celebratory recounting of England's global reach and a subtly critical acknowledgement of the violence and exploitation inherent in that expansion. The recurring image of England as a "Gipsy" peddler, though seemingly harmless, hints at a more forceful economic and political agenda disguised as simple trade. The poem ultimately becomes a meditation on the enduring nature of England's commercial and colonial ambitions, seen through a lens of both romanticism and realistic appraisal.

The Gipsy Metaphor: Trade and Territorialism

One of the central themes of the poem is the depiction of England's global expansion through the metaphor of a "Gipsy" peddler. This imagery is crucial to understanding the poem's nuances. On the surface, it suggests a benign and almost innocent form of trade, with England simply "peddling" its wares around the world. However, the term "Gipsy" also carries connotations of wandering, resourcefulness, and even a hint of trickery. This subtle implication suggests that England's "peddling" was not always as straightforward or ethical as it may seem. The poem highlights that behind the facade of trade lay a powerful drive for territorial and economic dominance. The constant repetition of the phrase "Peddling round the world" reinforces the persistent and pervasive nature of this imperial project.

Violence and the "Peaceful" Nation: A Contradiction

The poem presents a stark contrast between England's supposed desire for "peace" and the violent actions it undertakes to achieve its goals. The lines "England never wanted war, / Not on land or sea" are immediately followed by the acknowledgment that "Other nations rising up / Couldn’t let her be." This creates a sense of justification for England's aggression, portraying it as a reluctant participant in conflicts forced upon it by others. However, the subsequent verses detailing Queen Elizabeth's directive to "Drake, and Raleigh too" to "See what you can do" (essentially, plunder Spanish ships) reveal a more proactive and ruthless approach. The poem acknowledges the violence inherent in England's imperial project, even while attempting to frame it within a narrative of self-defense and national necessity.

Queen Elizabeth: The Pragmatic Face of Empire

Queen Elizabeth emerges as a key symbol of England's pragmatic approach to empire. She is described as a "plain, bad-tempered queen," which dispels any romantic notions of benevolent leadership. Her direct and forceful instructions to Drake, Raleigh, and the other "pirate crew" highlight the ruthless pragmatism at the heart of England's expansionist policies. The repeated command, "Better do it quick," underscores the urgency and the high stakes involved. Elizabeth's character serves to expose the unsentimental and often brutal realities that underpinned England's rise to global power. She is not a romantic figure, but a shrewd and determined leader who understood the necessities of power and was willing to use any means necessary to achieve her nation's objectives.

The Enduring Crone: A Lasting Legacy

The final stanzas of the poem shift to a future vision, where England is represented as a "Gipsy crone" still "Peddling round the world." This image suggests the enduring nature of England's commercial spirit and its continued influence on the global stage. Despite the "blood and tears" of past conflicts, the poem implies that England's "peddling" will continue, adapting to new circumstances and finding new markets. The description of the crone – "Shawl as old as Joseph’s coat, / Hair as white as snow, / Mind as bright as Seventeen" – suggests a nation that is both ancient and perpetually youthful, wise and adaptable. The poem ends on a note of both optimism and perhaps a hint of warning, suggesting that England's imperial legacy, for better or worse, will continue to shape the world for generations to come.