Poem Analysis - The Army Of The Rear

Introduction: A Call to Action from the Margins

Henry Lawson's "The Army of the Rear" is a powerful and urgent poem that gives voice to the marginalized and dispossessed. It serves as a rallying cry, urging the downtrodden to rise up against the injustices inflicted upon them by the wealthy elite. The poem's tone begins with a sense of subdued observation, gradually escalating into a defiant and revolutionary fervor. This shift underscores the growing frustration and determination of the "Army of the Rear," as they move from silent suffering to active resistance.

Historical Context: Voices of Discontent

Lawson was known for writing about the experiences of the working class and the poor in Australia during a time of significant social and economic inequality. The poem reflects the widespread discontent and struggle for basic rights experienced by many during this period. The context of poverty, class division and social injustice prevalent in the early 20th century, lends a strong realistic dimension to Lawson's poetry.

Theme of Social Injustice: Exposing Inequality

One of the central themes in the poem is social injustice. Lawson vividly portrays the stark contrast between the opulence of the wealthy and the destitution of the poor. Lines like "I looked upon their mansions, on their acres and their gold, / I saw their women radiant in jewelled robes appear," emphasize the extravagance enjoyed by the privileged few. This is directly contrasted with the "filthy alleys pent" and "slums" where the poor are forced to live. The poem directly accuses the wealthy class, stating "Be brutes among us, nobles, they are brutes that ye have made". This clear accusation highlights the structural nature of the injustice, blaming the upper classes for the existence of the impoverished "Army of the Rear".

Theme of Resistance: From Suffering to Action

The poem powerfully develops the theme of resistance. Initially, the "Army of the Rear" is depicted as a suffering mass, their tramping a sound of "menace and moaning low and drear". However, this suffering transforms into a source of strength and determination. The speaker asserts that "wrongs strengthen us, our hate that it may grow," illustrating how the pain of oppression fuels their resolve. The repetition of "Tramp! tramp! tramp!" functions as a persistent drumbeat, a symbol of their unwavering march toward change. This is no longer a sound of despair, but an insistent and growing sign of revolution.

Theme of Solidarity: Brothers and Sisters in Arms

Solidarity emerges as a vital theme as the speaker explicitly states, "My brothers and my sisters of the Army of the Rear!" The speaker not only identifies with the outcasts but also actively joins their ranks, forsaking the allure of wealth and privilege. By embracing their shared struggle, Lawson emphasizes the collective power of the dispossessed. The call to "men of rags and hunger" invites everyone facing similar hardships to unite and fight for their rights. This sense of community is essential to the "Army of the Rear’s" purpose and goal.

Symbolism of the Army: A Force of Change

The "Army of the Rear" itself functions as a powerful symbol, representing not a literal military force, but the collective strength of the oppressed masses. The phrase "Army of the Rear" suggests those who are traditionally overlooked or left behind. The poem reclaims this position, turning it into a source of strength and a symbol of potential revolution. The insistent sound of their "Tramp! tramp! tramp!" represents the growing momentum of their movement, a relentless force that cannot be ignored. The poem ends with a call for others to join the front of the struggle. Lawson implies that there is "glory" in battling for what is right.

Symbolism of Sound: From Menace to Music

Sound functions symbolically throughout the poem, evolving from a signal of suffering to a declaration of defiance. Initially, the "tramp" of the army is described as a sound that frightens the "anxious ear," suggesting the fear and unease it inspires in those who benefit from the status quo. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker declares that the tramping "sounds as music unto me!" This transformation reveals a shift in perspective, where the sound of the oppressed becomes a source of hope and inspiration. The music is not beautiful, but "terrible," indicating the seriousness and potential violence of the social upheaval.

Conclusion: An Enduring Call for Equality

In conclusion, "The Army of the Rear" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with its powerful message of social justice, resistance, and solidarity. Lawson's use of vivid imagery, compelling symbolism, and escalating tone effectively conveys the growing frustration and determination of the marginalized. The poem ultimately serves as a rallying cry, urging the downtrodden to unite and fight for a more equitable world, and it remains a potent reminder of the dangers of unchecked inequality and the enduring power of collective action. Lawson has given enduring, beautiful, and haunting voice to the dispossessed.