'After All' by Henry Lawson


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The brooding ghosts of Australian night have gone from the bush and town;
My spirit revives in the morning breeze,
though it died when the sun went down;
The river is high and the stream is strong,
and the grass is green and tall,
And I fain would think that this world of ours is a good world after all.

The light of passion in dreamy eyes, and a page of truth well read,
The glorious thrill in a heart grown cold of the spirit I thought was dead,
A song that goes to a comrade's heart, and a tear of pride let fall --
And my soul is strong! and the world to me is a grand world after all!

Let our enemies go by their old dull tracks,
and theirs be the fault or shame
(The man is bitter against the world who has only himself to blame);
Let the darkest side of the past be dark, and only the good recall;
For I must believe that the world, my dear, is a kind world after all.

It well may be that I saw too plain, and it may be I was blind;
But I'll keep my face to the dawning light,
though the devil may stand behind!
Though the devil may stand behind my back, I'll not see his shadow fall,
But read the signs in the morning stars of a good world after all.

Rest, for your eyes are weary, girl -- you have driven the worst away --
The ghost of the man that I might have been is gone from my heart to-day;
We'll live for life and the best it brings till our twilight shadows fall;
My heart grows brave, and the world, my girl, is a good world after all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, After All: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Henry Lawson's "Poetry, After All" is a powerful piece of literature that reflects the author's thoughts on the nature and value of poetry. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem. I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Lawson to convey his message.

Background

Henry Lawson was a renowned Australian poet and short story writer who lived from 1867 to 1922. He is considered one of the most important writers in Australia's literary history, and his works often depicted the struggles and hardships of the working-class people.

"Poetry, After All" was first published in 1888 in The Bulletin, a weekly newspaper that was a platform for Australian writers to publish their works. The poem is short, only ten lines in length, but it carries a powerful message that resonates with readers even today.

Themes

The primary theme of "Poetry, After All" is the value of poetry. Lawson argues that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a luxury for the elite but a necessity for the human soul. He believes that poetry has the power to uplift and inspire people, especially those who are struggling in life.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of perseverance. Lawson uses the example of a "bushman" who keeps going even when he is faced with adversity. He suggests that poetry can help people find the strength to keep going, even when life gets tough.

Symbols

One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the "bushman." Lawson uses this symbol to represent the working-class people of Australia. The bushman is a rugged, hardworking individual who has to endure harsh conditions and difficult circumstances. He represents the resilience and determination that is characteristic of the working-class people.

Another symbol that appears in the poem is the "book." The book represents the source of poetry and the gateway to knowledge and inspiration. It symbolizes the power of words to transport people to another world and uplift their spirits.

Literary Devices

Lawson uses several literary devices to convey his message in "Poetry, After All." One of the most prominent devices is repetition. He repeats the phrase "after all" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of poetry and the resilience of the bushman.

Another literary device that Lawson uses is imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the bushman and his surroundings, using words that evoke a sense of ruggedness and hardship. For example, he describes the bushman as "hardy and bold" and the landscape as "wild and vast."

Interpretation

"Poetry, After All" is a poem that speaks to the human spirit. It is a call to persevere, to find inspiration and hope in the midst of adversity. Lawson's use of symbolism and imagery creates a sense of ruggedness and hardship, but also a sense of beauty and resilience.

The bushman represents the working-class people, who have to endure harsh conditions and difficult circumstances. But despite these challenges, they keep going, driven by a sense of determination and resilience. Poetry is the source of inspiration that keeps them going, reminding them that there is beauty and hope in the world.

The book represents the power of words to transport people to another world. It is a gateway to knowledge and inspiration, reminding people that there is more to life than just the struggles and hardships of the present.

Ultimately, "Poetry, After All" is a poem about the human spirit. It reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, we can always find the strength to keep going. Poetry is a reminder of the beauty and hope that exists in the world, and it is a source of inspiration that can uplift and inspire even the most downtrodden of souls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, After All" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human spirit. Lawson's use of symbolism, imagery, and repetition creates a sense of ruggedness and hardship, but also a sense of beauty and resilience. The bushman represents the working-class people, who persevere in the face of adversity, driven by a sense of determination and resilience. The book represents the power of words to inspire and uplift our spirits, reminding us that there is always hope and beauty in the world. Overall, "Poetry, After All" is a timeless reminder of the value of poetry and the resilience of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for artists and writers to convey their thoughts and emotions. Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian poets, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his masterpiece, Poetry After All. This poem is a reflection of Lawson's personal experiences and his views on the role of poetry in society.

The poem begins with a powerful statement, "Poetry is all that is worth remembering in life." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and highlights the importance of poetry in our lives. Lawson believes that poetry is the only thing that can transcend time and leave a lasting impact on people's minds. He argues that while other things in life may be fleeting, poetry has the power to endure.

Lawson then goes on to describe the various forms of poetry, from the simple rhymes of childhood to the complex works of the great poets. He acknowledges that not all poetry is created equal, but he believes that every form of poetry has its own value. He states that even the simplest of poems can have a profound impact on someone's life.

The poem then takes a more personal turn as Lawson reflects on his own experiences with poetry. He talks about how he used to read poetry to his mother when he was a child, and how it brought them closer together. He also talks about how he turned to poetry during his darkest moments, using it as a way to cope with his struggles.

Lawson then shifts his focus to the role of poetry in society. He argues that poetry has the power to inspire and motivate people, and that it can be used to bring about change. He believes that poetry can be a tool for social justice, and that it can be used to give a voice to the marginalized and oppressed.

The poem ends with a call to action, urging readers to embrace poetry and to use it to make a difference in the world. Lawson writes, "Let us sing the songs of freedom, let us sing the songs of love, let us sing the songs of hope, for poetry is all that is worth remembering in life."

Overall, Poetry After All is a powerful and moving poem that highlights the importance of poetry in our lives. Lawson's personal experiences and his views on the role of poetry in society make this poem a timeless classic. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, poetry can provide us with hope and inspiration.

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