Poem Analysis - The King

Introduction: A Celebration of Character

Henry Lawson's "The King" is a eulogy, a respectful and admiring portrait of a monarch who earned respect not through his title, but through his character. The poem's tone is celebratory and laudatory, focusing on the king's virtues of manliness, truth, and steadfastness. The mood is consistently respectful, shifting from an acknowledgement of the burdens of kingship to an enthusiastic declaration of the king's success in overcoming them. There is no dramatic change in mood, but rather a steady crescendo of praise.

Background: Lawson's Australia and the Ideal of Manhood

While specific historical context isn't explicitly provided, Lawson, an Australian poet known for his focus on the common man, likely imbued this poem with the values of Australian identity at the turn of the 20th century. These included a strong emphasis on equality, practicality, and a rejection of inherited privilege. Therefore, the poem can be read as praising a king who embodies these values, distinguishing himself from traditional European aristocracy by proving his worth through his actions and character.

The King as a True Man

One central theme in "The King" is the identification of true manhood. The poem continually emphasizes the king's "manliness," "truth," and strength. Lawson writes, "He lived as men have done / Since Adam’s time, to prove them true." This suggests that the king embraced the trials and responsibilities inherent in being a good man, and through his actions, he proved his own character and challenged the skepticism surrounding the crown. By proving himself a true man, he ultimately earned respect as a king.

Steadfastness and Loyalty as a Foundation of Leadership

The theme of loyalty and steadfastness is also prominent. The king remained true to his friends "Unto the friends of his hot youth, / In his wise age, he still was true." This unwavering loyalty built bridges and fostered respect, even among those who might not have initially been inclined to support him. The line "He made them loyal who were not" speaks to the power of his character to win over doubters and unite his people, highlighting that his character superseded the limitations of the crown. This speaks to his effectiveness as a leader.

Transcending Expectations of Kingship

Finally, the poem explores the theme of redefining kingship. The poem contrasts the king's genuine qualities with the "lies that beat about a crown." The king's actions shamed those lies, suggesting that true leadership comes not from inherent right, but from earned respect. The lines "He lived a man, he lived a prince, / And died a gentleman and King" present a hierarchy of virtues, implying that his worth as a man underpinned his legitimacy as a prince and a king. By exemplifying these virtues, he not only defied expectations but redefined what it meant to be a king, emphasizing character over inherited privilege.

The Crown and The Man: Images of Power and Virtue

The recurring image of the "crown" serves as a symbol of traditional power and potentially deceit. However, the poem also uses powerful imagery associated with the king's personal qualities. Phrases like "manliness and truth" and "strong men do" create a visual of a figure who is both dignified and honorable. It suggests that the king redefined the crown by imbuing it with his personal virtues. The poem asks whether the true measure of a ruler lies in his inherited title or in the actions and qualities that define him as a person.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Respect

In conclusion, "The King" is not just a eulogy for a monarch but a celebration of character. The poem elevates the values of manliness, loyalty, and truth above inherited power. The King's legacy lies not in his title, but in his actions that redefined kingship through personal virtue. He earned respect and loyalty by being a good man first and a king second, an ideal that resonates even beyond the specific context of the poem. It celebrates a monarch who earned respect through his character, creating an enduring message that resonates with universal ideals of leadership and integrity.