Poem Analysis - The Pride That Comes After

Introduction: A Stoic Declaration

Henry Lawson's "The Pride That Comes After" is a defiant and somewhat cynical exploration of resilience in the face of hardship. The poem pulses with a tough, world-weary tone, suggesting a speaker who has experienced considerable pain and betrayal. While initially tinged with bitterness, the poem gradually evolves into a celebration of inner strength and self-respect. This defiant spirit, fueled by pride, becomes a shield against the judgment and abandonment of others. Lawson crafts a narrative of enduring, even thriving, through adversity by embracing a hardened perspective.

Context of Hardship

While the exact historical context of this specific poem remains undefined, Henry Lawson, a prominent Australian writer, frequently drew upon his own experiences of poverty, struggle, and societal indifference. His works often depict the harsh realities of Australian outback life and the emotional toll of hardship. This background lends authenticity to the poem's themes of suffering, betrayal, and the need for self-reliance. One can infer that the speaker's cynical outlook is born from witnessing or enduring similar circumstances, leading to a protective embrace of pride as a survival mechanism.

Enduring Pride: A Fortress Against Hurt

One of the main themes is the nature of enduring pride itself. It's not presented as arrogance, but rather as a hard-won defense mechanism. In the first stanza, the speaker declares an independence: "So leave me and I’ll seek you not,/ So seek me and you’ll find me." This establishes a self-sufficient stance. The line "But till I know your hand-grip’s true/ I’ll stand with hands behind me" shows a guardedness, a reluctance to trust easily. The "bitter pride" mentioned earlier, is transformed into a shield, and that is enduring. It protects the speaker from further vulnerability.

Social Judgement and the Sinner's Pride

Another vital theme is that of social judgment and its impact on the individual. The poem highlights the hypocrisy of "They know it all, they know it all,/ The curs that pass the sentence." This depicts a societal force quick to condemn and offer hollow platitudes about pride preceding a fall. The speaker rejects this moralizing stance, choosing instead to "drink to-night the sinner’s pride,/ The pride that’s most enduring." This embrace of "sinner's pride" is a rebellion against societal norms, a choosing of self-acceptance over external validation. This rejection gives rise to a sense of autonomy and power, defying the negativity cast upon them.

Finding Strength in Isolation and Self-Love

A final theme explored is the idea of finding strength in isolation and self-love. The speaker seems to suggest that being abandoned or judged by others ultimately frees them from a dependence on external validation. In the final stanza, the speaker proclaims "So leave me when my star is set,/ I’ll glory that you leave me." It's almost a triumphant declaration. The concluding lines "While one has pride to love me yet/ There’s nought on earth shall grieve me" are pivotal. This refers to self-love – an inner sense of worth that transcends external circumstances. It's a powerful statement of resilience, suggesting that as long as the speaker possesses self-respect, external hardships will have no hold over them.

Symbolism of "Hands Behind Me"

A recurring image with symbolic weight is the phrase "hands behind me." This can be interpreted as a symbol of both vulnerability and self-control. On one level, having one's hands behind them suggests a lack of defense, an openness to attack. However, it can also represent a conscious decision to restrain oneself, to avoid impulsive reactions and maintain composure. This ambivalence could reflect the speaker's inner conflict: a desire for connection versus a fear of betrayal. The positioning also symbolizes being unsupported and alone.

Conclusion: A Testament to Inner Resilience

In conclusion, "The Pride That Comes After" is a compelling portrayal of resilience born from adversity. Through its stark language and unflinching tone, the poem explores the complex relationship between suffering, societal judgment, and the human spirit. Lawson creates a character who, faced with hardship, chooses to embrace a defiant pride as a means of survival. This isn't a superficial arrogance, but a deep-seated self-respect that shields the speaker from further pain and allows them to find strength in isolation. The poem's enduring message is a testament to the power of inner resilience, suggesting that true strength lies not in seeking external validation, but in cultivating an unwavering sense of self-worth, even, and perhaps especially, in the face of a world that "knows it all."