Poem Analysis - The Wattle

A Reflection on Loss and Loyalty

Henry Lawson's "The Wattle" is a short but resonant poem that intertwines themes of death, remembrance, and unwavering national pride. The poem begins with a somber recollection of a past funeral and subtly shifts to a declaration of the speaker’s lifelong dedication to Australia. The tone is initially melancholic, tinged with a sense of mourning, but it gradually evolves into a firm, almost assertive affirmation of patriotic identity. Through simple language and evocative imagery, Lawson crafts a powerful statement about the speaker’s connection to their homeland.

Historical Context: An Australian Identity

Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer whose work often reflected the social realities and national identity of late 19th and early 20th century Australia. His poems and stories frequently depicted the lives of ordinary Australians, particularly those in rural areas. “The Wattle” likely reflects Lawson’s deep connection to his nation and his desire to express what it meant to be Australian during a time when Australia was still defining its identity as a nation separate from Great Britain. The poem’s emphasis on fighting and writing "for her" indicates a period of active nation-building and defense of national values.

The Dance of Death and Remembrance

One central theme in the poem is mortality and remembrance. The opening lines immediately establish a connection to death through the image of a "dead girl" laid to rest. The placement of "wattle and the native rose" on her breast serves as a poignant symbol of remembrance and a delicate beauty contrasted against the stark reality of death. This initial image casts a shadow over the rest of the poem, reminding the reader of the speaker’s own mortality. The phrase “I’ve seen strong men die” further underscores the theme of mortality and the speaker's experience with loss.

The Golden Bloom: A Symbol of Patriotism

The symbol of the wattle plays a crucial role in the poem. The wattle, a type of flowering acacia native to Australia, is a powerful symbol of Australian national identity. The question "who, to wear the wattle, Hath better right than I?" is repeated, acting as a rhetorical claim to the speaker's deep-seated connection to Australia. The wattle is not just a flower; it's a badge of honor, representing a lifelong commitment to the country. It is a symbol of belonging, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty.

Australia First: An Undying Loyalty

Another dominant theme is the speaker's unwavering patriotism and loyalty to Australia. The line "But always in the lands of men I held Australia first" is a direct declaration of the speaker's national pride. This sentiment is further emphasized by the speaker's actions: "I wrote for her, I fought for her." The poem suggests that the speaker has dedicated their life to serving Australia through both creative and combative means. The concluding lines reaffirm the speaker's right to "wear the wattle" based on this lifelong dedication.

A Final Resting Place: The Ultimate Connection

In conclusion, "The Wattle" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that explores the themes of death, remembrance, and national identity. The poem uses the symbol of the wattle to represent a profound connection to Australia, solidified through both personal loss and lifelong dedication. The shift from melancholic remembrance to assertive patriotism reveals a complex relationship between individual experience and national identity. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the true meaning of belonging and the sacrifices one makes for their homeland, ultimately asking if the ultimate resting place is within the heart of a nation one has served so well.