Poem Analysis - Since Then

Henry Lawson's "Since Then" is a poignant reflection on the erosion of mateship and the widening social divide caused by time and circumstance. The poem is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, tinged with regret, as the speaker confronts the stark contrast between his present and the shared past he had with his old mate, Jack Ellis. A palpable tension exists between the speaker's desire to reconnect and the insurmountable barriers created by their divergent paths. The poem begins with a reminiscent tone, transitioning into one of melancholic acceptance, ultimately concluding with a faint glimmer of hope for a more equitable future.

The Australian Bush and the Ideal of Mateship

Henry Lawson was a quintessential Australian writer, deeply concerned with representing the lives of ordinary Australians, particularly those in the outback. His work often explored themes of mateship, hardship, and social inequality. "Since Then" is representative of this concern, as it grapples with the changing social landscape and its impact on the traditionally strong bond between bushmen. The poem reflects a historical shift where economic disparities were becoming more pronounced, leading to a fracturing of the egalitarian ethos once associated with the Australian bush.

The Corrosion of Mateship by Social Division

The central theme of the poem is the deterioration of mateship under the weight of social and economic disparity. The speaker, now seemingly successful and well-dressed, contrasts sharply with the weathered and worn Jack Ellis. This difference acts as a barrier to genuine connection. The line "Jack Ellis and I have tramped long ways / On different tracks since then" encapsulates this theme, suggesting that their divergent paths have irreversibly altered their relationship. The poem powerfully illustrates how social mobility, or lack thereof, can erode even the strongest bonds forged in shared hardship.

Nostalgia Versus Reality

Nostalgia plays a significant role in the poem, particularly in the speaker's yearning for the past they shared. The vivid recollections of "the sweltering scrub," "the blazing flat," and "the hell-born western drought" paint a romanticized picture of their shared experiences. However, this nostalgia clashes with the reality of their present encounter. The speaker's clean clothes and polite inquiries stand in stark contrast to Jack's discomfort and hurried departure. This juxtaposition highlights the difficulty of reconciling idealized memories with the harsh realities of the present.

Clothing as a Symbol of Social Stratification

Clothing functions as a potent symbol of the growing social divide between the two men. The speaker's observation, "I couldn’t help notice the clothes he wore, / And he couldn’t but notice mine," underscores the palpable difference in their social standing. The speaker's "clean" collar and "new" clothes represent his upward mobility, while Jack's "battered" hat and "green" coat signify his continued struggle. The clothes become visible markers of their separate social trajectories, highlighting the impossibility of bridging the gap that has formed between them. It presents a complex dynamic in which superficial appearances have significant meaning on a deeper level, creating a barrier that is difficult to overcome.

A Hopeful Glimmer of Equality

The poem concludes with a faint expression of hope for a future where "boys will start on the track from home / With equal chances." This final stanza suggests that the speaker recognizes the systemic inequalities that contribute to the fracturing of mateship. He envisions a society where economic disparities are less pronounced, and the bonds between individuals are not strained by social stratification. While the poem primarily laments the loss of connection, this concluding thought offers a glimpse of optimism, implying that a more equitable future might restore the ideal of mateship.