Poem Analysis - What Have We All Forgotten

Introduction: A Nation's Amnesia

Henry Lawson's "What Have We All Forgotten?" is a reflective and somewhat accusatory poem grappling with the complex emotions of a nation experiencing prosperity after hardship. The poem explores a sense of unease and a lingering question of forgotten values amidst newfound success. Lawson employs a questioning tone, shifting from observation to personal introspection, ultimately urging a return to gratitude. The poem suggests a spiritual or moral lapse that threatens to undermine the material gains.

Historical Echoes and National Identity

While the poem doesn't explicitly detail specific historical events, Lawson, a prominent Australian writer known for his realistic portrayals of working-class life, likely draws upon the experience of Australia navigating the early years of federation (established in 1901). The "Bad Time" mentioned could refer to economic depressions or droughts that plagued the country. The poem reflects a sense of national identity being forged in the crucible of hardship and then potentially lost in the pursuit of material success. The poem's focus on forgetting resonates with a common concern that the sacrifices and values of the past are easily overlooked in times of plenty.

The Price of Progress: Moral Amnesia

One central theme of the poem is moral amnesia. Lawson repeatedly asks, "What have we all forgotten?" suggesting a collective lapse in memory or understanding. The first stanza hints at past corruption ("Public robbing, and lying") and personal failings ("Private strife and deception"). As the nation prospers, the poem implies that these ethical shortcomings are being swept under the rug, forgotten in the rush to enjoy the "years of plenty." This forgetting is presented as a dangerous trend, threatening the very soul of the nation. The poem develops this theme through the stark contrast between the descriptions of material wealth ("tanks are full," "mountains of wheat and wool") and the persistent question of what has been lost.

Complacency and Unacknowledged Grace

Another prominent theme is complacency and a lack of gratitude. The poem highlights the accomplishments of the nation ("brought the states together," "garnered and reaped and shorn"). However, it subtly challenges the assumption that these successes are solely the result of human effort. The line, "Did we send the peace and the rain?" directly questions whether the nation has acknowledged the role of forces beyond human control – perhaps a divine power or simply good fortune. The repeated questioning underscores a sense of national pride bordering on arrogance, a failure to recognize the sources of their blessings.

Individual and Collective Sin: The Burden of Success

The poem explores the theme of sin and redemption, both on a national and individual level. Lawson acknowledges his own complicity ("I the greater the sinner because I was greater than some") and recognizes the collective guilt ("Sinners to self and to country!"). This admission of sin is significant, as it shifts the poem from a general critique to a personal confession. The poem suggests that material success can breed selfishness and a disregard for others. However, the final lines offer a glimmer of hope, urging everyone to "kneel for one moment and thank the Great Spirits for Good," implying a potential for redemption through humility and gratitude.

Symbolism of the Seventh Year and Eleventh Hour

The references to "the break of the seventh year" and "the eleventh hour" are symbolic. The seventh year may allude to the biblical concept of the sabbatical year, a time for rest, reflection, and forgiveness of debts. This framing suggests that the nation is at a point where it should be evaluating its progress and making amends for past wrongs. The "eleventh hour" is a common idiom for the last possible moment, emphasizing the urgency of the poem's message. It suggests that the nation is nearing a critical juncture where it must either confront its forgotten values or risk losing its way.

Conclusion: A Plea for Gratitude

"What Have We All Forgotten?" is a powerful poem that serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forgetting our values in the pursuit of prosperity. Lawson masterfully uses repetition, imagery, and a shift in tone to create a sense of unease and urgency. The poem's significance lies in its timeless message about the importance of gratitude, humility, and a recognition of the sources of our blessings. It reminds us that true success is not measured solely by material wealth, but also by the strength of our moral compass and our connection to something larger than ourselves.