Poem Analysis - To Morrow

A Cynical Look at Social Hypocrisy

Henry Lawson's "To-Morrow" offers a biting critique of social hypocrisy and the fickle nature of public opinion. The poem's tone is initially cynical and accusatory, directed towards the judgmental middle class, but it shifts to a more encouraging and defiant stance as it progresses. Lawson explores themes of societal judgment, personal redemption, and the importance of inner integrity in the face of external pressures. The poem leaves the reader pondering the true value of societal approval versus self-respect.

The Social Context of Judgement

While specific historical context is not explicitly provided, it is helpful to understand Lawson's general background. Henry Lawson was an Australian writer known for his realistic portrayals of working-class life and the harsh realities of the Australian outback. His work often reflected the struggles of ordinary people against societal indifference and economic hardship. This background informs the poem's depiction of a man ostracized for his perceived failings and then suddenly embraced when he displays material wealth. This highlights the societal values, or lack thereof, that Lawson often critiqued.

Redemption and Shifting Tides of Societal Opinion

One of the central themes is the arbitrary nature of societal judgment. The poem illustrates how quickly public opinion can shift based solely on superficial appearances. The lines "You are weak, you’re a fool, or a drunken brute / When you’re deep in trouble and sorrow; / But walk down the street in a decent suit, / And their hats will be off to-morrow!" starkly demonstrate this point. This suggests that societal acceptance is not based on genuine merit or character, but rather on conformity to middle-class standards and the display of financial stability.

The Call for Inner Strength

Another crucial theme is the struggle for personal redemption. While the poem acknowledges the pain of societal rejection, it also offers a message of hope and resilience. The lines "But stick to it, man! for your old self’s sake, / Though to brood on the past is human; / Hold up for the sake of the mate who was true, / And the sake of the Other Woman," urge the individual to persevere not for the sake of societal approval, but for his own self-respect and the loyalty he owes to those who have stood by him. This emphasizes the importance of internal values over external validation.

Respect Earned vs. Respect Given

The third significant theme revolves around the concept of respect itself. The poem questions whether the respect offered by the fickle middle class is genuinely valuable. The final stanza, "You may take their hands, but in spite of that, / Can they win your respect to-morrow?" implies that true respect must be earned through genuine connection and understanding, not simply bestowed upon someone who meets societal expectations. The poem ends on a note of questioning, emphasizing the speaker’s skepticism.

Symbols of Societal Value

The "hats off" gesture serves as a recurring symbol of societal respect. It represents the superficial acceptance that is readily given to those who conform to societal norms and display wealth. In contrast, the "beer-stained coat" symbolizes poverty, social alienation, and the reasons why the man is initially judged. The "ten-pound note" functions as a symbol of sudden material wealth, the sole element needed to instantly change the public's perception of the individual. The poem also poses the question of what the symbolic meaning of "the other woman" is, is she the man's wife who he has left behind and is now seeking to make amends for, or is she the "other" person in his life, his drinking buddy who is standing by him?

A Lasting Lesson in Self-Worth

In conclusion, "To-Morrow" is a powerful indictment of societal hypocrisy and a call for personal integrity. Lawson uses vivid imagery and a cynical tone to expose the superficiality of social acceptance and emphasizes the importance of self-respect and loyalty. The poem's significance lies in its timeless message about the value of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures and questioning the source and meaning of respect offered by others. Even today, this message rings true, prompting us to consider the true meaning of acceptance and the foundations upon which we build our own self-worth.