Poem Analysis - The Boss Over The Board

Introduction: A Sympathetic Look at an Unpopular Figure

Henry Lawson's "The Boss Over the Board" offers a surprisingly nuanced perspective on the figure of the boss in a shearing shed, a setting rife with potential for conflict and exploitation. The poem initially presents the boss as an object of hatred, then subtly shifts toward a more sympathetic understanding of his difficult position. Through vivid imagery and a colloquial voice, Lawson explores themes of class conflict, the complexities of fairness, and the surprising possibilities for respect in an environment of inherent inequality. The poem's tone moves from critical to almost admiring, ultimately acknowledging the human cost of the boss's role.

The Burden of Command: Exploring the Boss's Isolation

One of the poem's central themes is the isolation of the boss. The opening lines emphasize the pressures he faces: "With the sins of the bank and the men on his head." He is caught between the demands of the financial institution he represents and the needs and resentments of the workers he manages. The poem highlights how he "mustn't look black or indulge in a grin," suggesting a suppression of his own emotions for the sake of maintaining order. This paints a picture of a man burdened by responsibility, ostracized by his position, and seemingly without recourse. The speaker acknowledges that the boss's "lonely position" is not something to be envied, suggesting that the apparent power the boss wields comes at a significant personal cost.

Beyond Black and White: The Fluidity of Fairness

The poem complicates the simplistic narrative of "us versus them" often associated with labor disputes. The incident between the boss and Jim Duggan is particularly telling. While Duggan's "hate of Injustice and Greed" is initially presented as righteous, his violent response ("his shearing grew rough and he ill-used the sheep") is portrayed as an overreaction. The speaker admits that "we knew in our hearts that the shearer was wrong," suggesting a recognition that even in the context of exploitation, individual actions have moral weight. Furthermore, the boss's decision to rehire Duggan after their fight demonstrates a pragmatic, even forgiving, attitude, blurring the lines between oppressor and oppressed. This highlights the theme of fairness, which is shown to be a subjective concept rather than a concrete ideal.

Unexpected Respect: The Duality of Human Nature

The final act of Jim Duggan, leading the cheers for the boss at the end of the shearing season, is a powerful symbol of the complexities of human relationships. This unexpected display of respect, occurring despite the "Freedom of Contract maintained in his shed," suggests that shared experiences and individual character can transcend ideological divides. This seemingly small act represents a shift in perspective, hinting at a grudging admiration for the boss's resilience and perhaps even a recognition of his own humanity. It questions the rigid structures of class conflict, suggesting that personal connections and respect can emerge even in adversarial environments.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lasting Impression of a Man in the Middle

"The Boss Over the Board" is a poem that resists easy categorization. It offers a nuanced portrayal of a figure often demonized in labor narratives, revealing the pressures and complexities of his position. The poem ultimately suggests that even in a system marked by inequality, individual actions and personal connections can challenge simplistic narratives of "us versus them". It compels us to consider the human cost of power, the subjectivity of fairness, and the potential for unexpected respect in even the most adversarial environments. Lawson’s poem presents a lasting impression of a man caught in the middle, neither entirely villain nor hero, but simply a person trying to navigate a difficult role.