Poem Analysis - On Home Beaches

Introduction: Discomfort and Judgment on the Beach

Les Murray's "On Home Beaches" is a contemplative and somewhat uneasy reflection on returning to a familiar place and confronting the specter of judgment, particularly regarding the body. The poem's tone is initially self-conscious, bordering on anxious, as the speaker grapples with his physical changes and the perceived scrutiny of others. This anxiety gives way to a broader critique of societal pressures and inequalities, especially as they relate to body image and gender. The mood shifts from personal insecurity to a more general observation of societal dynamics, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unease.

The Weight of Ridicule: A Central Theme

A central theme of the poem is the pervasive presence of ridicule and judgment, especially directed towards those who deviate from perceived norms. The speaker's initial apprehension stems from his awareness of his own physical changes ("fatter that I was then") and the expectation of being judged by others on the beach. This is powerfully conveyed through the image of "ridicule look[ing] down, strappy, with faces averted." The poem suggests that this ridicule can be particularly harmful to women, with the stark declaration that it is "the pistol that kills women, that gets them killed." This extends beyond simple teasing, implying a societal structure that actively devalues and endangers women based on their physical appearance. This theme underscores the deeply ingrained societal pressures related to body image and the ways in which judgment can manifest in subtle yet devastating ways.

The Illusion of Equality: A Societal Critique

Another significant theme is the illusion of equality in a society that ostensibly values it. The poem directly states, "Equality is dressed, neatly, with mouth still shut." This suggests that while equality may be espoused as a principle, it remains superficial and ultimately ineffective in dismantling deeply ingrained power imbalances. The line "Bared body is not equal ever" further emphasizes this point, highlighting how physical appearance can undermine claims of equality. The "strappy, with faces averted" indicates that the idea of equality may be spoken, but the actions of people do not reinforce the words. The juxtaposition of this statement with the scenes of people enjoying the beach (surfing, swimming, playing ball) creates a stark contrast, suggesting that this superficial enjoyment masks deeper inequalities and judgmental attitudes.

Hawk and Ocean: Powerful Symbols

The poem employs powerful imagery to convey its themes. The "great hawk of the beach" serves as a symbol of predatory judgment and surveillance. Its outstretched wings, "quivering and hunting," suggest a constant state of observation and evaluation, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and unease. The hawk connects the beach to wildness and hunting, emphasizing that on the beach, people may be hunted. Meanwhile, the "long greening waves" that "cash themselves, foam changing sliding into Ocean's pocket" is an image of wealth, power, and ultimately, loss. The ocean's seemingly endless resources, its ability to both provide and consume, reflects the volatile and ever-changing nature of societal values and the pressures they exert. The money metaphor suggests both opportunity and the inevitable dissipation of value or worth. Is the speaker suggesting that human value and societal norms are as fleeting and capricious as ocean foam?

Conclusion: A Lingering Unease

"On Home Beaches" is a powerful and unsettling exploration of societal pressures, judgment, and the illusion of equality. Through vivid imagery and unflinching observations, Murray captures the anxieties of returning to a familiar place and confronting the ever-present specter of ridicule. The poem's significance lies in its ability to expose the subtle yet pervasive ways in which societal norms and power imbalances shape our perceptions of ourselves and others, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease about the true nature of acceptance and equality. The poem makes the reader wonder if places that are suppose to be relaxing and happy, such as a beach, are truly sources of anxiety and judgment, even if they appear not to be.