Poem Analysis - The Rush To London

Farewell and Foreboding: An Introduction

Henry Lawson's "The Rush To London" is a poignant farewell, tinged with both hope and a deep-seated anxiety about the future. The poem addresses someone departing for London, seemingly destined for success and admiration. However, beneath the surface of congratulations lies a concern that this individual will forget those left behind. The poem's tone shifts subtly from encouragement to a melancholic resignation, highlighting the potential cost of ambition and the enduring nature of faithful love.

The Lure of Ambition and the Shadow of Neglect

One of the central themes is the allure of ambition versus the potential for neglect and forgetting. The first two stanzas contrast the grand possibilities of London ("Where no one dare ignore you," "Where fair girls shall adore you") with the simple devotion of the one who remains ("The poor, plain face of one that loved"). Lawson uses this juxtaposition to underscore the fear that worldly success can eclipse genuine affection. The poem questions whether the individual, caught up in the "rush to London," will remember the quiet, unwavering love they left behind. The repetition of "But if you should return again" emphasizes the uncertainty and conditional nature of this hope.

Enduring Love: A Beacon in the Distance

The theme of enduring love is powerfully conveyed through the image of the waiting figure "in wind and rain, / Where forty cheered you going." This recurring image symbolizes constancy and unwavering dedication. The "forty" who cheered represent the initial excitement and support for the traveler's journey. But it is only "one" who will remain, a steadfast beacon through the years, regardless of the traveler's fate. This highlights the disparity between fleeting public acclaim and the profound depth of individual love. The weather – "wind and rain" and later, "shine or rain" – further emphasizes the unconditional nature of this love, unaffected by time or circumstance.

Symbolic Landscapes: London Fog and Gum Leaf Smoke

The poem employs potent imagery to contrast the two worlds: London and Australia. London is represented by "smoke," suggesting a crowded, industrialized, and perhaps suffocating environment. In contrast, Australia is evoked through the evocative image of "gum leaves burning" and the "grassy plain." The smell of burning gum leaves acts as a sensory reminder of home, a potential trigger for nostalgia and reflection amidst the distractions of London. The "grassy plain" is more than just a landscape; it symbolizes freedom, space, and the simple beauty of the homeland. This contrast highlights the potential for cultural alienation and the persistent pull of one's roots, even amidst the allure of a new life.

A Lingering Question of Return

The poem concludes with a sense of unresolved tension. The repeated phrase "Where forty cheered you going" serves as a constant reminder of the departure and the uncertainty of return. Will the traveler remember, or will they be forever changed by their experiences? Lawson does not offer a definitive answer, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of ambition, love, and the enduring power of memory. The significance lies in the poem's ability to capture the bittersweet emotions associated with farewell, the quiet strength of enduring love, and the enduring power of home.