Poem Analysis - The Sorrows Of A Simple Bard

An Introduction to Bardic Woes

Henry Lawson's "The Sorrows of a Simple Bard" is a sardonic and somewhat exasperated lament from the perspective of a poet struggling against societal expectations and double standards. The poem explores the frustrations of being a writer, particularly one who attempts to portray virtue and innocence, only to be met with cynicism and suspicion. The tone shifts from bewildered amusement to genuine anger as the speaker grapples with the hypocrisy he perceives in those around him, particularly regarding relationships between men and women. There's a touch of self-deprecating humor mixed with a defiant threat at the end, creating a complex and engaging portrayal of the artist's struggle.

Literary Misunderstanding and Cynical Judgement

One of the primary themes is the misunderstanding and underappreciation of artists. Lawson portrays publishers and lawyers as being utterly clueless when the poet writes about virtue, yet instantly interested when hinted that a woman is in the picture. This highlights a perceived bias towards scandal and gossip over genuine artistic expression. The refrain about poets being misunderstood ("When, Oh! tell me when shall poets cease to be misunderstood?") underscores the poet's frustration and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of misinterpretation. They simply want to be seen as decent, but struggle to convince a world that only see's artists through the lens of past rogues.

Hypocrisy and Double Standards

Another central theme is the hypocrisy surrounding relationships between men and women. The speaker questions whether a platonic friendship between the sexes is possible without raising suspicion. The "idiotic and exasperating wink" from his acquaintances represents the prevailing cynical view that any interaction between a man and a woman must be driven by ulterior motives. The poem satirizes the sanctimonious characters, such as the church warden and deacon, whose seemingly "unblemished private characters" mask a potentially deeper ignorance or even hidden desires. This hypocrisy is further emphasized by his aunt's dismissal of women’s intellect, showing that this perception is not only held by men.

Virtue, Innocence, and Societal Expectations

The third major theme revolves around the difficulty of portraying virtue and innocence in a cynical world. The poem begins with the poet's frustration that his attempts to write about "virtue and injured innocence" are met with indifference. The implication is that society is so jaded that it is incapable of believing in, or even appreciating, genuine goodness. This is contrasted sharply with the immediate interest sparked by even the slightest hint of scandal. The poet is ultimately driven to a point of rebellion, threatening to embrace the very wickedness he has been accused of, as if to say, "If that's what you expect of me, then that's what you'll get."

Recurring Images: Eyes and Winks

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's meaning. The image of "dark eyes in the moonlight" and the "fair head on your shoulder" evokes a romantic and sensual scene, a fleeting moment of passion and vulnerability. This is juxtaposed with the "wink of mighty meaning" from the publishers and lawyers, which represents suspicion and cynical judgment. The eyes, in both instances, express deeply felt emotions, both genuine and projected. The "wink," however, becomes a symbol of societal skepticism and the inability to see beyond superficial appearances. The winks and nods are physical manifestations of judgement and distrust.

Defiant Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Sorrows of a Simple Bard" is a powerful critique of societal hypocrisy and the challenges faced by artists who strive for authenticity in a world that often demands sensationalism. Through its sardonic tone, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes like misunderstanding, hypocrisy, and the difficulty of portraying virtue, the poem offers a glimpse into the frustrations of a poet struggling against the constraints of societal expectations and a world seemingly unable to appreciate genuine artistic expression. The poem's final defiant outburst, a playful threat to embrace wickedness, serves as a poignant statement about the artist's struggle to maintain integrity in a cynical world. Is the speaker truly driven to wickedness or is this outburst an act of performance against a society who expects and demands it of its artists?