'`For 'ard'' by Henry Lawson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
It is stuffy in the steerage where the second-classers sleep,
For there's near a hundred for'ard, and they're stowed away like sheep, --
They are trav'lers for the most part in a straight 'n' honest path;
But their linen's rather scanty, an' there isn't any bath --
Stowed away like ewes and wethers that is shore 'n' marked 'n' draft.
But the shearers of the shearers always seem to travel aft;
In the cushioned cabins, aft,
With saloons 'n' smoke-rooms, aft --
There is sheets 'n' best of tucker for the first-salooners, aft.
Our beef is just like scrapin's from the inside of a hide,
And the spuds were pulled too early, for they're mostly green inside;
But from somewhere back amidships there's a smell o' cookin' waft,
An' I'd give my earthly prospects for a real good tuck-out aft --
Ham an' eggs 'n' coffee, aft,
Say, cold fowl for luncheon, aft,
Juicy grills an' toast 'n' cutlets -- tucker a-lor-frongsy, aft.
They feed our women sep'rate, an' they make a blessed fuss,
Just as if they couldn't trust 'em for to eat along with us!
Just because our hands are horny an' our hearts are rough with graft --
But the gentlemen and ladies always DINE together, aft --
With their ferns an' mirrors, aft,
With their flow'rs an' napkins, aft --
`I'll assist you to an orange' -- `Kindly pass the sugar', aft.
We are shabby, rough, 'n' dirty, an' our feelin's out of tune,
An' it's hard on fellers for'ard that was used to go saloon;
There's a broken swell among us -- he is barracked, he is chaffed,
An' I wish at times, poor devil, for his own sake he was aft;
For they'd understand him, aft,
(He will miss the bath-rooms aft),
Spite of all there's no denyin' that there's finer feelin's aft.
Last night we watched the moonlight as it spread across the sea --
`It is hard to make a livin',' said the broken swell to me.
`There is ups an' downs,' I answered, an' a bitter laugh he laughed --
There were brighter days an' better when he always travelled aft --
With his rug an' gladstone, aft,
With his cap an' spyglass, aft --
A careless, rovin', gay young spark as always travelled aft.
There's a notice by the gangway, an' it seems to come amiss,
For it says that second-classers `ain't allowed abaft o' this';
An' there ought to be a notice for the fellows from abaft --
But the smell an' dirt's a warnin' to the first-salooners, aft;
With their tooth and nail-brush, aft,
With their cuffs 'n' collars, aft --
Their cigars an' books an' papers, an' their cap-peaks fore-'n'-aft.
I want to breathe the mornin' breeze that blows against the boat,
For there's a swellin' in my heart -- a tightness in my throat --
We are for'ard when there's trouble!We are for'ard when there's graft!
But the men who never battle always seem to travel aft;
With their dressin'-cases, aft,
With their swell pyjamas, aft --
Yes! the idle and the careless, they have ease an' comfort, aft.
I feel so low an' wretched, as I mooch about the deck,
That I'm ripe for jumpin' over -- an' I wish there was a wreck!
We are driven to New Zealand to be shot out over there --
Scarce a shillin' in our pockets, nor a decent rag to wear,
With the everlastin' worry lest we don't get into graft --
There is little left to land for if you cannot travel aft;
No anxiety abaft,
They have stuff to land with, aft --
Oh, there's little left to land for if you cannot travel aft;
But it's grand at sea this mornin', an' Creation almost speaks,
Sailin' past the Bay of Islands with its pinnacles an' peaks,
With the sunny haze all round us an' the white-caps on the blue,
An' the orphan rocks an' breakers -- Oh, it's glorious sailin' through!
To the south a distant steamer, to the west a coastin' craft,
An' we see the beauty for'ard, better than if we were aft;
Spite of op'ra-glasses, aft;
But, ah well, they're brothers aft --
Nature seems to draw us closer -- bring us nearer fore-'n'-aft.
What's the use of bein' bitter?What's the use of gettin' mad?
What's the use of bein' narrer just because yer luck is bad?
What's the blessed use of frettin' like a child that wants the moon?
There is broken hearts an' trouble in the gilded first saloon!
We are used to bein' shabby -- we have got no overdraft --
We can laugh at troubles for'ard that they couldn't laugh at aft;
Spite o' pride an' tone abaft
(Keepin' up appearance, aft)
There's anxiety an' worry in the breezy cabins aft.
But the curse o' class distinctions from our shoulders shall be hurled,
An' the influence of woman revolutionize the world;
There'll be higher education for the toilin' starvin' clown,
An' the rich an' educated shall be educated down;
An' we all will meet amidships on this stout old earthly craft,
An' there won't be any friction 'twixt the classes fore-'n'-aft.
We'll be brothers, fore-'n'-aft!
Yes, an' sisters, fore-'n'-aft!
When the people work together, and there ain't no fore-'n'-aft.
Editor 1 Interpretation
For 'ard' by Henry Lawson: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that just hits you in the gut? A poem that speaks to your deepest fears and struggles? That's what "For 'ard" by Henry Lawson does for me. This classic piece of poetry is a masterpiece of Australian literature, exploring themes of perseverance, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at the poem's structure, language, and themes to understand what makes it such a powerful piece of writing.
Overview of the Poem
First, let's briefly summarize the poem for those who may not be familiar with it. "For 'ard" is a poem about a team of horses struggling to pull a wagon through tough terrain. The driver urges them on, calling out "for 'ard" repeatedly to keep their spirits up. The poem is written in a colloquial style, with a strong Australian accent and slang. It is divided into five stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB.
Structure and Language
One of the most striking things about "For 'ard" is its colloquial language. Lawson uses words and phrases that are specific to Australian slang, giving the poem a strong sense of regional identity. For example, the title itself is a contraction of "forward," but it's spelled "for 'ard" to reflect the way the word is pronounced in Australian English. Other examples of slang in the poem include "drought and heat," "terbacker," and "blarsted."
Lawson's use of colloquial language is an important part of his literary style. It gives his writing a sense of authenticity and helps to capture the unique character of rural Australia. At the same time, it can be challenging for readers who are not familiar with Australian slang. The poem requires a certain level of cultural knowledge and familiarity with the dialect in order to understand some of the words and phrases used.
The poem's structure is also significant. The consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm. It helps to reinforce the theme of perseverance, as the repeated sound of "for 'ard" echoes throughout the poem. The use of stanzas also adds to the poem's structure. Each stanza represents a different stage in the journey, with the horses and driver facing new challenges and obstacles along the way.
Themes
The central theme of "For 'ard" is perseverance in the face of adversity. The horses and driver are faced with a difficult task, but they never give up. The driver's repeated calls of "for 'ard" are a reminder to keep moving forward, even when the journey seems impossible. The poem celebrates the spirit of determination that is necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of teamwork. The horses and driver work together to accomplish their goal. The driver is dependent on the horses to pull the wagon, while the horses rely on the driver to guide them. It's a reminder that we are all stronger when we work together and support each other. The poem also highlights the importance of leadership and motivation. The driver's role is to keep the horses focused and motivated, even when they are tired and struggling.
Finally, "For 'ard" is a celebration of rural Australia and its people. The poem is set in the Australian bush, and the horses and driver are portrayed as quintessentially Australian characters. The use of colloquial language and slang helps to capture the unique character of rural Australia and its people. The poem celebrates the resilience and determination of those who live and work in the bush, and it's a reminder of the importance of valuing and supporting rural communities.
Interpretation
So, what does "For 'ard" mean? Like any great piece of literature, the poem can be interpreted in different ways depending on the reader's perspective. To me, the poem is a celebration of the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity. It's a reminder that no matter how difficult our journey may be, we can always find the strength to keep moving forward.
The poem is also a tribute to the courage and spirit of the Australian people. The horses and driver represent the resilience and determination that is so characteristic of rural Australians. They face challenges and obstacles, but they never give up. They work together as a team, relying on each other for support and guidance. It's a powerful message about the importance of community and the power of teamwork.
Ultimately, "For 'ard" is a poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. It's about the struggle to overcome hardship and adversity, and the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. It's a reminder that no matter how hard the journey may be, we can always find the strength to keep moving forward.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For 'ard' by Henry Lawson: A Poetic Masterpiece
Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian poets, is known for his ability to capture the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of its people. His poem "For 'ard'" is a prime example of his poetic mastery, as it delves into the harsh realities of life in the outback and the resilience of those who call it home.
The poem begins with the line "Weary with toil and the heat of the day," immediately setting the scene of a grueling and exhausting existence. The use of the word "weary" emphasizes the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with living in the harsh Australian climate, while "toil" highlights the hard work required to survive in such an environment.
The next line, "Dusty and worn, but 'ard' at the core," introduces the central theme of the poem: resilience. The word "'ard'" is a colloquialism for "hard," and it is used throughout the poem to describe the toughness and determination of the Australian people. Despite the hardships they face, they remain strong and unyielding.
The poem then goes on to describe the various challenges that those living in the outback must overcome. The line "The sun-baked flats where the saltbush grows" paints a picture of a barren and desolate landscape, where even the hardiest of plants struggle to survive. The use of the word "sun-baked" emphasizes the intense heat that permeates the environment, while "saltbush" highlights the scarcity of vegetation in the area.
The next few lines describe the harsh realities of life in the outback. "The long dry grass that the stock must eat" highlights the difficulty of finding food for livestock in such an environment, while "The waterholes where the wild dogs howl" emphasizes the danger posed by predators. The line "The gaunt, grim ridges that bar the way" describes the rugged terrain that must be traversed, further emphasizing the challenges faced by those living in the outback.
Despite these difficulties, the poem emphasizes the resilience of the Australian people. The line "But the spirit of man is unconquered still" highlights the determination and strength of those who call the outback home. They may be weary and worn, but they remain "'ard'" at the core.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the hope that sustains those living in the outback. The line "The hope that is born of the long, long fight" emphasizes the perseverance required to survive in such a harsh environment. The use of the word "born" suggests that hope is not something that comes easily, but rather something that must be fought for.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly poignant: "The hope that is fed by the heart's desire, / And the love that is stronger than death or fire." These lines emphasize the importance of love and desire in sustaining the human spirit. Despite the hardships faced by those living in the outback, they are sustained by their love for the land and their desire to survive.
In conclusion, "For 'ard'" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of life in the Australian outback. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, it emphasizes the resilience and determination of the Australian people, as well as the hope and love that sustain them. Henry Lawson's poetic mastery is on full display in this classic work, and it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australian people.
Editor Recommended Sites
SRE Engineer: Guide to SRE engineeringEnterprise Ready: Enterprise readiness guide for cloud, large language models, and AI / ML
Javascript Book: Learn javascript, typescript and react from the best learning javascript book
Learn Rust: Learn the rust programming language, course by an Ex-Google engineer
Learning Path Video: Computer science, software engineering and machine learning learning path videos and courses
Recommended Similar Analysis
Lost Mistress, The by Robert Browning analysisWho Am I? by Carl Sandburg analysis
The Exposed Nest by Robert Frost analysis
The Conqueror Worm by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
Perseus by Sylvia Plath analysis
On First Looking Into Chapman's Homer by John Keats analysis
Holy Thursday by William Blake analysis
Crazy Jane Reproved by William Butler Yeats analysis
There is no frigate like a book by Emily Dickinson analysis
A Pact by Ezra Pound analysis