Poem Analysis - The March Of I Van

Introduction: A Call to Arms and a Soldier's Lament

Henry Lawson's "The March of Ivan" is a complex poem that blends a rallying cry with a somber reflection on the role of the Russian soldier. The poem begins with an expectant and almost fearful anticipation of the advancing Russian army, using imagery of darkness and vastness to convey the imposing nature of their arrival. However, the tone quickly shifts as "Ivan," the archetypal Russian soldier, speaks in his own voice, revealing the weariness and questionable motivations behind his relentless marching. This creates a contrast between the external perception of Russia as a powerful force and the internal reality of the individual soldier, highlighting the human cost of war and unquestioning obedience.

Anticipation and Apprehension: Russia as a Looming Threat

The initial verses of the poem paint a picture of Russia as an overwhelming presence. The repetition of "Are you coming, Ivan, coming?" creates a sense of anxious anticipation, almost fear. The descriptions of "long, dark, distant columns" against the "rising sun" evoke a sense of foreboding and inevitability. The phrase "Muscovite" further emphasizes the foreign and perhaps threatening nature of the approaching army. The mention of the "terror of the future" and "madness of to-day" suggests that the arrival of Ivan is linked to a broader sense of global unrest and potential conflict.

Ivan's Perspective: Duty, Doubt, and Disillusionment

The poem's shift to Ivan's perspective provides a crucial counterpoint to the initial fear and anticipation. Ivan's song reveals a soldier who marches not necessarily out of conviction, but out of duty and obedience: "maybe, I'm mainly marching just because they told me to." He recounts past marches where he and his comrades were simply told where to go and who to fight, without any understanding of the larger purpose. The lines, "’Twas enough it was for Russia! what cared we about the world?" highlight the enforced patriotism that stifles individual questioning and reinforces the dehumanizing effect of war. The recurring image of "black dots on the snow" poignantly symbolizes the countless lives lost and the grim reality of their sacrifices.

Symbols of Russia: Bear, Hunger, and the Unheard Voice

The poem uses potent symbols to represent different aspects of Russia and the Russian soldier's experience. The "Wolf of Hunger" and "Bear of Strength" represent the harsh conditions and inherent power associated with Russia. Hunger drives them to march, while the bear, a traditional symbol of Russia, embodies their strength and resilience. However, the poem also emphasizes the silence surrounding the individual suffering of Russian families. The questions about whether the moans, prayers, sobs, or wails of Ivan's family ever penetrate beyond Russia's borders underscores the isolation and anonymity of the soldier's sacrifice. This can be interpreted as a critique of the Russian regime's disregard for the individual in pursuit of national ambitions.

Remembering the Past, Marching Toward an Uncertain Future

The final verses reveal a complex relationship with the past and a determined march towards an uncertain future. Ivan references historical conflicts such as Plevna, Crimea, and Port Arthur, suggesting a long history of Russian involvement in wars and a cycle of sacrifice. He criticizes the "Present-blinded tyrant" who fails to learn from the past, implying that the current conflict is yet another repetition of past mistakes. Despite the hardships and past betrayals, Ivan expresses a renewed sense of purpose. He suggests that their marching is not just for Russia and the Czar, but to "jog their memory" of those who have been forgotten. The poem ends with a paradoxical declaration of marching "with Peace for Europe! back to Russia and the Czar," highlighting the complex and potentially contradictory motivations driving the Russian army.

Conclusion: A Paradoxical Portrait of Russia

"The March of Ivan" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrait of Russia and its soldiers. Lawson masterfully juxtaposes the external perception of Russia as a formidable force with the internal reality of the individual soldier, who is often driven by duty, obedience, and perhaps a glimmer of hope. The poem uses powerful imagery and symbolism to explore themes of sacrifice, disillusionment, and the human cost of war. Ultimately, "The March of Ivan" is a poignant exploration of the complex and often contradictory forces that shape the fate of nations and the lives of those who serve them. Is Ivan a liberator or an instrument of oppression? The poem leaves the reader to ponder this ambiguity.