Poem Analysis - The Flour Bin

A Nostalgic Ode to Resilience

Henry Lawson's "The Flour Bin" is a poignant reflection on the hardships faced by early Australian settlers and their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia, tinged with the memory of struggle, hardship and the unwavering spirit required for survival in a harsh environment. It speaks of a past defined by drought, poverty, and relentless labor, but also by community and determination. While there is a sense of hardship, there's also a strong undercurrent of respect and gratitude.

Echoes of a Hardscrabble Past

Lawson himself experienced poverty and hardship, growing up in the Australian outback. This personal experience deeply informs the poem. The poem is rooted in the socio-economic realities of rural Australia in the late 19th century, a time marked by agricultural challenges, economic uncertainty, and the constant threat of drought. The poem paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by farming families, dependent on the land for their survival. The reference to "rust and smut in wheat" and "blight in eyes and orchards" illustrates the constant battle against natural disasters and crop failures.

The Flour Bin as a Symbol of Perseverance and Security

One of the central themes of the poem is resilience. The flour bin itself becomes a powerful symbol of this resilience. It represents security, stability, and the determination to overcome hardship. The mothers struggling and fathers toiling to "keep those flour bins full" highlights their dedication to providing for their families and ensuring their survival. The mention of the "dear old German lady" who "still keeps a fifty in it against a time of drought" reinforces this theme, suggesting that the lessons of the past continue to inform the present.

Nostalgia and the Enduring Connection to the Land

Nostalgia is another key theme woven through the poem. Despite the hardships described, there is a sense of fondness for the past. The lines describing the landscape – "The flats are green as ever," "The creeks go rippling through," "The Mudgee Hills are showing their deepest shades of blue" – evoke a sense of beauty and connection to the land. These vivid images stand in stark contrast to the descriptions of poverty and hardship, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there was still a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Australia. The poem does not romanticize the past but acknowledges the struggles while also recognizing the enduring power of the landscape.

The Flour Bin: A Legacy of Strength

The flour bin acts as a tangible link between the past and the present, a legacy of resilience passed down through generations. The final stanza, where the speaker expresses hope that "when drought shall strike us, the young will take a pull, and the old folk their strength anew to keep those flour bins full," encapsulates the poem's central message. The poem speaks to an enduring cultural memory, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who came before and the importance of preserving their spirit of perseverance. This message reinforces that the collective community can continue to thrive.