Poem Analysis - The Old Old Story And The New Order

Introduction: A Rebellious Outcry

Henry Lawson's "The Old, Old Story And The New Order" is a defiant and impassioned response to criticism leveled against him and his fellow artists. The poem's tone is initially bitter and sarcastic, laced with resentment towards the "they" who seek to diminish their worth. However, it gradually shifts towards resilience and a rallying cry for his comrades, ending with a declaration of artistic immortality. This transition reveals a deep-seated frustration that ultimately fuels a powerful affirmation of their artistic integrity and enduring legacy.

Background: An Artist Under Scrutiny

Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer known for his realistic portrayals of life in the Australian outback and the struggles of the working class. The poem is likely a direct response to the literary establishment and critics who denigrated his and his peers' work, often dismissing them as uncultured or lacking in artistic merit. This historical context provides insight into the poem's defensive stance and its defense of a particular kind of "Australian" art born from experience rather than academic training.

Theme 1: The Conflict Between Authenticity and Artifice

One of the central themes is the conflict between genuine experience and artificial or pretentious art. The "they" in the poem represent those who prioritize academic refinement and adherence to established norms over authentic expression. Lawson uses the imagery of the "cultured cads of First Gem cells, Of Mansion, Lawn and Club" to depict the elite class who deem themselves superior. In contrast, he elevates the "Poets of the Pub," suggesting that true artistic inspiration comes from the raw realities of life, not from privileged backgrounds. The contrast between those who "prove the gizzardness of gizzards" and those who understand the human heart emphasizes the vacuity of intellectual exercises divorced from real-world emotions and experiences.

Theme 2: Enduring Legacy vs. Fleeting Criticism

The poem also explores the theme of enduring legacy versus fleeting criticism. Although the critics attempt to erase their names and discredit their work, Lawson confidently asserts that their impact will outlast the transient opinions of their detractors. He acknowledges that "They've proved our names shall not be known A few short years ahead," but implies that the true measure of their art lies not in immediate recognition but in its long-term resonance. The lines "They're insects whom the wheels of time Shall crush exceeding small" underscores this point, suggesting that the critics' negativity is ultimately insignificant in the face of the enduring power of genuine art. Lawson envisions a time when their detractors will be forgotten, while his works and those of his peers will continue to touch hearts.

Theme 3: The Power of Simplicity

A recurring theme is the power of simplicity and its connection to genuine emotion. Lawson champions the "Bards of Sympathy! Who strike with the sledge hammer force Of their simplicity." He suggests that their art is effective precisely because it is unpretentious and speaks directly to the human condition. The examples of children "prattling home from school" and "Jim and Mary at the gate" illustrate the enduring power of simple joys and relationships, which the critics, in their intellectual arrogance, fail to comprehend. By focusing on the fundamental aspects of human experience, these poets create art that resonates deeply and cannot be diminished by academic snobbery.

Symbolism: Skies vs. Factory Smoke

A key symbol in the poem is the contrast between the natural world and the industrial, artificial world. The "summer skies...just as fairly blue" represent the enduring beauty and truth that exists beyond the reach of the critics' negativity. Conversely, the "factory smoke" symbolizes the artificiality and pollution that the critics promote. The fact that "They can't bring down yon fleecy clouds And make them factory smoke" is a powerful assertion that the beauty and authenticity of the natural world – and by extension, the genuine art that reflects it – cannot be manufactured or controlled by those who seek to diminish it.

Conclusion: An Anthem of Artistic Resilience

In conclusion, "The Old, Old Story And The New Order" is a powerful anthem of artistic resilience. Through its biting satire, defiant tone, and vivid imagery, Lawson defends the value of authentic, experience-driven art against the criticisms of the literary establishment. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring power of simplicity, the lasting impact of genuine emotion, and the ultimate triumph of true art over fleeting negativity, leaving readers with an understanding that critics can damage reputation, but not real talent.