Poem Analysis - The Other Gum

A Poet's Defense: Introduction

Henry Lawson's "The Other Gum" is a sharp and dismissive response to criticism, delivered with a distinctly Australian flavor. The poem adopts a tone of weary amusement mixed with veiled threat, as the speaker addresses an anonymous detractor. There is a shift from a slightly apologetic stance in the beginning to a more assertive and condescending tone as the poem progresses. Ultimately, the poem is a defense of the speaker's satirical writing and a challenge to his cowardly critic.

Echoes of Bush Life: Context and Influence

Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer known for his realistic portrayals of bush life and the struggles of ordinary people. While the poem doesn't explicitly depict the bush, the idiom "the 'possum you are barking at is up the other gum" evokes the Australian outback and suggests the critic is barking up the wrong tree. The reference to "new-chum Jackaroo" also connects to the Australian context, as Jackaroo is a term for a young man working on a sheep or cattle station to gain experience. Lawson's background lends authenticity to the poem's voice and its inherent defensiveness of the authorial position.

The Cowardice of Criticism: Exposing Anonymity

A central theme of the poem is the cowardice of anonymous criticism. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes that he doesn't "fight the crawlers who's afraid to sign his name." This highlights the perceived unfairness and lack of integrity in attacking someone without taking responsibility for one's words. The speaker sees anonymity as a shield for maliciousness, allowing critics to wound without facing consequences. The assertion that he never strikes "without a mark" further reinforces the idea that genuine critique should be open and accountable, not hidden in the shadows.

Satire as Self-Defense: Defining Poetic Purpose

The poem also explores the purpose and justification of satire. The speaker initially claims he "never meant to hit the new-chum Jackaroo," but rather intended to write "a skit on poets – such as you." This suggests that his satire, while perhaps causing offense, was aimed at a broader target – the perceived pomposity or pretension of other poets. The speaker seems to be implying that satire is a legitimate form of social commentary, even if it sometimes stings. This defence can be interpreted as author trying to justify any damage to the target by claiming that his writing was intended as an attack on the genre itself rather than its specific representative.

Australian Imagery: Misdirection and Foolishness

The recurring image of the 'possum being "up the other gum" is a vivid Australian metaphor for misdirection and wasted effort. The speaker uses it to suggest that the critic's attacks are misdirected, pointless, and ineffective. The 'possum, a native Australian animal, is safely out of reach, implying that the speaker is untouched by the critic's barbs. The change to "another gum" in the second stanza could be interpreted as implying not only misdirection but perhaps also a constant failing on the critic's part.

Concluding Thoughts: The Last Laugh

"The Other Gum" is a clever and subtly scathing response to anonymous criticism. Lawson's poem defends the role of satire while simultaneously dismissing the cowardly attacks of a detractor. The Australian idiom and direct tone give the poem a distinct character, emphasizing the speaker's confidence and his belief in the legitimacy of his work. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the best defense against petty criticism is to rise above it, secure in the knowledge that the critic is merely "howling" at an empty tree.