Poem Analysis - Up The Country

Disillusionment in the Australian Outback

Henry Lawson's "Up The Country" is a stark and cynical poem that subverts the romanticized vision of the Australian outback prevalent in much of the Southern poetry of his time. The poem drips with disillusionment and sarcasm, painting a harsh and unforgiving landscape far removed from the idealized "sunny plains" and "shining rivers" touted by other poets. The tone shifts from initially regretful to outright scornful, ultimately concluding with a desire for escape and a rejection of the romantic myth.

The Crushing Reality of Isolation

One of the central themes of "Up The Country" is the isolating and brutal reality of life in the Australian outback. Lawson emphasizes this through vivid imagery of desolation: "burning wastes of barren soil and sand," "everlasting fences," and "desolation where the crow is!" These phrases evoke a sense of vast emptiness and a lack of human connection. The repetition of "Nothing — Nothing!" further underscores the psychological impact of this isolation on the bushman. The poem portrays the outback as a place where individuals are stripped bare, both physically and emotionally, by the harsh environment.

The Failure of Romantic Idealism

Lawson's poem directly challenges the romantic idealism associated with the Australian bush. The phrase "Southern poets' land" is used ironically to introduce the speaker's quest, a quest that ends in the shattering of idols and the burning of "fancy verses." This act symbolizes the rejection of sentimental and unrealistic portrayals of the outback. Lawson contrasts the romanticized images ("'shining rivers' — 'walled by cliffs and forest boles'") with the grim reality of "thirsty gutters — strings of muddy water-holes." This stark juxtaposition highlights the vast discrepancy between the idealized vision and the lived experience, ultimately demonstrating the failure of romanticism in the face of harsh realities.

Symbols of a Harsh Existence

Several recurring symbols in the poem reinforce its bleak message. The "sun" functions as a symbol of unrelenting hardship. It is described as "great white" and brings "summer heat in June," representing the oppressive and unforgiving climate. The "fences" are not merely physical barriers but also symbolize the confinement and restriction of life in the outback. They are "everlasting," suggesting a perpetual state of isolation. Even the local wildlife is used symbolically - the "sinister 'gohanna', and the lizard, and the snake" paints a picture of danger, reinforcing the idea of a hostile and unforgiving environment.

A Final Thirst-Quenching Escape

In conclusion, "Up The Country" is a powerful and unflinching critique of romanticized portrayals of the Australian outback. Lawson uses vivid imagery, cynical tone, and potent symbolism to expose the harsh realities of isolation, hardship, and disillusionment experienced by those who live there. The poem ultimately suggests that the idealized vision of the "Southern poets' land" is a myth that must be confronted with a dose of reality, and that, in the face of such starkness, sometimes the best course of action is to retreat to the relative comfort and civilization of "town," "drinking beer and lemon-squashes, taking baths and cooling down." The poem remains a relevant commentary on the difference between perception and reality, particularly in relation to idealized landscapes.