Poem Analysis - The Lily And The Bee

Introduction: A Moment of Reflection

Henry Lawson's "The Lily And The Bee" is a contemplative poem, marked by gentle observation and a subtle undercurrent of social commentary. The poem begins with a straightforward, almost idyllic scene of nature, gradually shifting towards a more questioning and introspective tone. The speaker's initial admiration for the lily evolves into a broader consideration of the interconnectedness of life and the potential oversight of such relationships. This shift from simple observation to deeper reflection is central to the poem's power.

Lawson's Land and the Poet's Eye

While specific historical events aren't directly addressed, understanding Henry Lawson's background as an Australian poet writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries offers valuable context. Lawson often wrote about the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback and the struggles of ordinary people. This background informs the poem's understated but present concern for the unnoticed and the undervalued, reflecting his broader focus on the lives and labours often overlooked by society. The poem uses the microcosm of nature as an allegory for larger societal concerns.

The Interdependence of Beauty and Labour: A Key Theme

One of the primary themes is the interdependence of beauty and labour. The lily, representing beauty and purity, is directly linked to the bee, representing work and utility. The lily provides "wealth" for the bee, suggesting that beauty sustains labour. The poem questions whether this relationship is adequately acknowledged or appreciated. The repetition of the line "Consider the lilies! / But, it occurs to me, / Does any one consider / The lily and the bee?" emphasizes the speaker's concern that the bee's contribution is undervalued in comparison to the lily's apparent beauty.

The Value of Labour and Undervalued Contributions

Closely related to the previous theme is the poem's concern with the value of labour and the potential for undervaluation. While the lily is celebrated for its beauty and "four-fold duty," the bee's role, equally essential, is presented as potentially overlooked. This invites a broader reflection on how society often focuses on the superficial or the easily visible, while neglecting the essential, often unseen, work that sustains it. The poem gently challenges this hierarchy, prompting readers to reconsider their own perceptions of value and contribution. It's an implicit call to value the 'worker bee' in life.

The Allure of "Use, Purity, and Trust": A Question of Values

The third significant theme revolves around the idealized qualities associated with the lily: "Use, purity, and trust." The poem implicitly questions whether these qualities are genuinely present or simply projected onto the flower. The bee, through its actions, demonstrates practical use, arguably surpassing the lily's symbolic offering. The poem could be interpreted as subtly critiquing the romanticized notions of purity and beauty, suggesting that genuine value lies in tangible contributions and interdependence. This theme encourages readers to look beyond surface appearances and consider the deeper realities of value and purpose.

Symbolism and Imagery: A Closer Look

The lily and the bee serve as powerful symbols. The lily represents idealized beauty, purity, and perhaps even societal expectations. Its "whiteness" and perceived virtues are highlighted, creating a sense of established worth. The bee, in contrast, symbolizes labor, industry, and a less celebrated but equally vital role. The image of the bee "incessantly" moving within the lily's cup emphasizes its active contribution. The "honey glow" that the sun creates in the lily alludes to sweetness and nourishment, which are connected to the bee's role in pollination. This imagery connects labour with sustenance. The interplay between these symbols reveals the poem's central tension between perceived value and actual contribution.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Interconnectedness

"The Lily And The Bee" is a deceptively simple poem that invites profound reflection on the interconnectedness of life and the importance of recognizing all contributions, not just those that are immediately apparent. Lawson uses the natural world to explore broader societal themes of value, labour, and the dangers of overlooking essential contributions. The poem ultimately encourages a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the world around us, urging us to "consider" not just the beautiful lily, but also the hardworking bee that sustains it.