Poem Analysis - Wholl Wear The Beaten Colours

A Call to Courage and Conviction

Henry Lawson's "Who'll Wear the Beaten Colours?" is a rallying cry, a poignant lament for lost ideals, and a defiant assertion of enduring values. The poem oscillates between despair and determination, tinged with a nostalgic longing for a time when principles seemed clearer. Lawson's speaker grapples with defeat, both personal and societal, yet refuses to relinquish the values he holds dear, challenging others to embrace them even in the face of adversity. The tone shifts from a somber reflection on past battles to a fervent call for future resistance.

Echoes of Societal Disappointment

While a deep dive into specific historical context may be limited without the "1" footnote information, the poem resonates with a sense of disillusionment that likely reflects Lawson's observations of Australian society in the early 20th century. The references to "Potts Point," a wealthy Sydney suburb, contrasting with "beaten folk" and the mention of gambling dens and motor cars suggests a critique of growing materialism and social inequality. This was a period of significant social change in Australia, with growing class divisions and anxieties about national identity, potentially coloring Lawson's perspective. The Boer War references ("Ladysmith") may also reflect broader anxieties about Australia's role within the British Empire.

The Enduring Power of Principle

A central theme is the unwavering commitment to principle, even in defeat. The "beaten colours" symbolize a set of values, likely encompassing honesty, integrity, and perhaps a concern for the working class or the "Outback." The speaker consistently asks who will "wear" these colours, implying a challenge to others to adopt and uphold these ideals. Another key theme is the contrast between genuine conviction and shallow materialism. The poem contrasts the speaker's "hands and pockets clean" with the "Greed and Ease and Luxury" associated with Potts Point, highlighting the moral decay he perceives in society. Finally, there is a theme of personal integrity in the face of societal change. The speaker's insistence on wearing the colours "on his own" suggests a lonely battle to maintain values amidst a society that seems to be abandoning them.

Symbols of Defiance and Lost Virtue

The "beaten colours" are the most potent symbol, representing not literal flags of military defeat, but rather the ideals and values that the speaker believes have been vanquished by societal trends. They symbolize honesty, integrity, and a connection to the "Outback" spirit. The image of "Potts Point" serves as a symbol of the encroaching materialism and moral decay that the speaker laments. The stark contrast between "Potts Point" and the speaker's "hands and pockets clean" powerfully illustrates the corruption of values. The "white man's colours" is an interesting and potentially problematic image. Without further context, it's open to interpretation. Is Lawson referring to a genuine belief in racial superiority (which would be deeply problematic), or is he using it ironically to point out the hypocrisy of those who claim to uphold such ideals while simultaneously betraying other, more fundamental values? This ambiguity raises important questions about the poem's stance on issues of race and colonialism.

A Legacy of Resistance and Enduring Values

In conclusion, "Who’ll Wear The Beaten Colours?" is more than a lament for a lost cause. It is a potent call to action, urging readers to embrace and uphold enduring values even when faced with societal pressures and apparent defeat. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of shared history, a nostalgic yearning for a time when principles seemed clearer, and a defiant refusal to abandon those principles in the face of adversity. Lawson’s poem serves as a reminder that true courage lies not in celebrating victory, but in maintaining conviction even when "the beaten colours" are all that remain.