Poem Analysis - The Way I Treated Father

A Regretful Retrospection

Henry Lawson's "The Way I Treated Father" is a poignant reflection on filial regret. The poem recounts a son's memories of his father, a hardworking bushman, and his own perceived laziness and lack of appreciation during their time together. The tone is initially matter-of-fact, describing their simple life, but gradually shifts to one of remorse and longing. This shift is driven by the speaker's increasing awareness of his past failings and the irretrievable loss of his father.

Hardship and the Australian Bush

Lawson, a prominent figure in Australian literature, often depicted the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback. This poem is a prime example, reflecting the tough conditions faced by rural workers. The setting – a humble "humpy" where the father and son lived alongside "Stumpy"– speaks to the simplicity and hardship of their existence. The constant references to splitting rails and palings, and the daily chore of "boiling the billy" (making tea), highlight the labor-intensive nature of their lives, adding weight to the son's guilt about not contributing enough.

Guilt and the Burden of Inaction

A central theme of the poem is the burden of guilt. The speaker repeatedly expresses how "mean" he was to his father, even though the father was never explicitly unkind. This guilt stems from his inaction and perceived laziness. He acknowledges shirking his share of the work, especially the early morning task of boiling the billy. The constant repetition of "I think 'twas mean" emphasizes the enduring nature of his regret, suggesting that this guilt has lingered long after his father's death.

Love Expressed Through Mundane Chores

Another prominent theme is the expression of love and connection through daily routines. The simple act of boiling the billy, something the speaker initially resented, becomes symbolic of the father-son relationship. The speaker's regret is compounded by the realization that these small acts of service were, in essence, acts of love and care. The final stanza reinforces this idea; despite inheriting money, the speaker would gladly trade it all to hear his father ask him to boil the billy once more, revealing the true value he now places on those shared moments.

Mortality and the Passage of Time

The poem grapples with the theme of mortality and the irreversible passage of time. The recurring image of the father's "grave is old and green" serves as a constant reminder of his absence and the finality of death. This image underscores the speaker's regret; he can no longer rectify his past actions or express his appreciation to his father. The phrase "things have altered rather" suggests that the world has changed since his father's passing, further emphasizing the loss and the speaker's isolation in his remorse.

The Billy as a Symbol of Lost Connection

The "billy," a simple tin can used for boiling water, functions as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not just a daily chore but also the simple, practical love between father and son. The speaker's initial reluctance to "bile the billy" signifies his rejection of this connection. His later longing to hear his father's request again reveals his profound understanding of the billy's symbolic weight. It becomes a symbol of lost opportunity, of a chance to express love and contribute to the shared life they once had.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Regret

In conclusion, "The Way I Treated Father" is a moving exploration of regret and the belated appreciation for simple acts of love. Lawson uses straightforward language and vivid imagery to depict the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback and the complexities of the father-son relationship. The poem's power lies in its honesty and its universal theme of missed opportunities, reminding us to cherish our relationships and express our appreciation before it's too late.