Poem Analysis - When The Bear Comes Back Again

Introduction: A Warning in the Outback

Henry Lawson’s "When The Bear Comes Back Again" is a foreboding ballad delivered in colloquial Australian language. The poem paints a picture of a wounded bear retreating, not into hibernation but into a simmering rage, promising a fierce return. The tone is initially descriptive, almost sympathetic towards the injured beast, but quickly shifts to a cautionary warning about the bear's inevitable and violent resurgence. The overall feeling is one of unease and impending doom, masked by a deceptively casual narrative voice. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of vulnerability and the knowledge that past victories do not guarantee future safety.

Historical Undertones: The Wounded Empire

While the poem never explicitly states who or what the "Bear" represents, its publication during a time of rising international tensions and imperial rivalries heavily suggests a metaphor for Russia. The references to Turkey and the Crimean War ("We chased him out of Turkey...it took two dogs an' a lion for to beat him in Crimea") are clear allusions to Russia's historical conflicts. Lawson, writing from an Australian perspective within the British Empire, likely uses the "Bear" as a symbol of a powerful, wounded empire that, despite setbacks, remains a significant threat. The poem can be interpreted as a warning to the British Empire not to underestimate Russia's potential for retaliation and resurgence.

Theme: The Inevitability of Conflict

One of the main themes explored in the poem is the inevitability of conflict. Even though the bear is currently "licked an' he's defeated," the poem makes it clear that this is only a temporary state. The repeated refrain, "When the Bear comes back again," emphasizes the cyclical nature of aggression and retaliation. The poem suggests that past victories are fleeting and that complacency can lead to future defeat. Lawson presents conflict not as a singular event, but as a recurring element of human (or in this case, political) existence. The vivid imagery of the bear's blood staining the snow serves as a constant reminder of the violence that has already occurred and the violence that is yet to come.

Theme: The Cost of Hubris

The poem also tackles the theme of hubris, particularly on the part of those who have "baited him in pits" and "bluffed him." The poem implies that underestimating the bear's resilience and potential for vengeance is a dangerous game. The line "he hugged ’em badly one time when they tried him in his den" is a chilling reminder of the bear's power, even in a vulnerable state. By taunting and provoking the bear, the "dogs and lions" have only fueled its anger and guaranteed a more ferocious return. The poem cautions against arrogance and highlights the potential consequences of pushing an adversary too far. This echoes a broader concern about the potential overreach of imperial powers and the dangers of underestimating their rivals.

Symbolism: The Bear as a Force of Nature

The bear itself is a potent symbol throughout the poem. It represents not just Russia, but also a primal, untamed force of nature. The description of the "grey-black sky of winter" and the "sun is settin' bloody" creates a harsh and unforgiving landscape that mirrors the bear's own brutal nature. The bear's wounded state emphasizes its vulnerability, but also hints at a latent power that is simply waiting to be unleashed. The image of the bear dragging one leg and leaving a "thin red line" in the snow is particularly striking, symbolizing both its pain and the trail of violence it leaves in its wake. The repeated mention of "cubs" left behind introduces a complex element – a concern for the future generation and the legacy of the conflict.

Conclusion: A Warning for the Future

"When The Bear Comes Back Again" is more than just a simple narrative poem; it's a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency, the cyclical nature of conflict, and the enduring power of a wounded adversary. Through vivid imagery and a foreboding tone, Lawson paints a picture of impending doom, warning against underestimating the "Bear" and urging vigilance. The poem's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of power dynamics and the inevitable consequences of aggression. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of unease and a reminder that past victories do not guarantee future safety. The bear's return is not a question of "if," but "when," and the poem serves as a chilling reminder to be prepared for the inevitable.