Poem Analysis - Robbies Statue

A Cynical Look at Literary Hypocrisy

Henry Lawson's "Robbie's Statue" is a satirical and cynical poem that critiques the superficial and hypocritical veneration of deceased poets, specifically Robert Burns. The poem adopts a sardonic tone, initially through a conversation between the speaker and the ghost of "Scotty," before shifting to a more direct condemnation of those who praise Burns in death but would likely ignore or even reject him in life. The mood is one of disillusionment, questioning the sincerity of public mourning and celebration of artistic genius.

Echoes of Australian Identity: Critiquing Cultural Cringe

While the poem focuses on the celebration of Robert Burns, written by an Australian author there might be an implied commentary about Australia's cultural identity and sometimes awkward relationship with established European traditions. Lawson, known for his nationalist sentiments and focus on Australian life, may be subtly critiquing the tendency to uncritically embrace foreign figures while neglecting local talent. The poem hints at a subtle cultural cringe, where Australians might feel compelled to celebrate figures like Burns, even if they don't fully understand or appreciate their work. The irony is not lost on Lawson, who suggests a similar fate would likely befall any Australian bard should he become 'hard-up' or 'shabby'.

The Hypocrisy of Literary Worship

One of the central themes of the poem is the hypocrisy of literary worship. The speaker observes the elaborate displays of admiration for Burns, noting that the attendees "spoke in some outlandish tongue" and "cut some comic capers," suggesting a lack of genuine understanding or appreciation of Burns's work. The poem emphasizes the contrast between the reverence shown in public and the likely treatment Burns would receive if he were alive and in need, stating, "If Robbie Burns should come their way, / They’d turn him out their houses." This juxtaposition highlights the superficiality of their admiration, reducing Burns to a symbol rather than a person whose work should be valued and understood.

The Neglect of Living Artists

Another prominent theme is the neglect of living artists in contrast to the deification of the dead. The poem laments that "the living bard's a drunken rake" implying that society often fails to support and appreciate artists during their lifetimes. The speaker expresses a desire for "some songs of stinging fun / To wake the States and light 'em," wishing for a contemporary Burns who could address current societal issues. The poem suggests that instead of genuinely appreciating artistic talent, society often waits until an artist is deceased before offering praise, rendering the appreciation meaningless to the artist themselves.

The Enduring Power of Art Versus Fleeting Fame

The final theme that appears is the enduring power of art to overcome the fleeting praise. Scotty's ghost gives voice to this theme toward the end of the poem: "The living bard can flick them off / They cannot hurt his spirit." In contrast to the superficial worshipers, who are described as "crawlers round the bardie’s name", Scotty's ghost emphasizes the lasting impact of Burns's work, saying, "His work’s the living thing, and they / Are fly-dirt on the pages." This image suggests that while the hypocrisy and shallow praise may persist, the true value and significance of Burns's poetry will endure beyond the fleeting opinions of his contemporaries.

Symbolism of the Statue and the "Fleas"

The poem utilizes several key symbols. Robbie's statue itself represents the idealized and often distorted image of the artist that society projects after death. It is a focal point for insincere mourning and performative admiration. The image of the "fleas" that the living bard can flick off symbolizes the annoyances and criticisms that artists face during their lifetimes. These "fleas" are ultimately insignificant compared to the lasting impact of their work, suggesting that true artists transcend the petty criticisms of their contemporaries.

A Timeless Critique of Artistic Appreciation

In conclusion, "Robbie's Statue" is a powerful critique of the superficial and hypocritical nature of artistic appreciation. Lawson uses vivid imagery and a cynical tone to expose the contrast between the public veneration of deceased artists and the neglect of living ones. The poem serves as a reminder that true appreciation of art involves genuine understanding, support, and engagement, not just empty displays of mourning and praise. The poem's enduring relevance lies in its timeless commentary on the complex relationship between artists and society, and the importance of recognizing and valuing talent during its lifetime, while also providing a veiled criticism of a cultural cringe sometimes displayed by Lawson's Australian contemporaries towards established European traditions.