'WhenTthe Children Come Home' by Henry Lawson
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On a lonely selection far out in the West
An old woman works all the day without rest,
And she croons, as she toils 'neath the sky's glassy dome,
`Sure I'll keep the ould place till the childer come home.'
She mends all the fences, she grubs, and she ploughs,
She drives the old horse and she milks all the cows,
And she sings to herself as she thatches the stack,
`Sure I'll keep the ould place till the childer come back.'
It is five weary years since her old husband died;
And oft as he lay on his deathbed he sighed
`Sure one man can bring up ten children, he can,
An' it's strange that ten sons cannot keep one old man.'
Whenever the scowling old sundowners come,
And cunningly ask if the master's at home,
`Be off,' she replies, `with your blarney and cant,
Or I'll call my son Andy; he's workin' beyant.'
`Git out,' she replies, though she trembles with fear,
For she lives all alone and no neighbours are near;
But she says to herself, when she's like to despond,
That the boys are at work in the paddock beyond.
Ah, none of her children need follow the plough,
And some have grown rich in the city ere now;
Yet she says:`They might come when the shearing is done,
And I'll keep the ould place if it's only for one.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exploring the Depths of Henry Lawson's "When the Children Come Home"
As a powerful voice in the Australian literary scene, Henry Lawson is known for his vivid depictions of life in the outback and his poetic commentary on the social struggles faced by the working class. Among his most celebrated works is the poem "When the Children Come Home," which captures the essence of the hopes and fears of parents waiting for their children's return from school. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and narrative techniques employed by Lawson to create a memorable and thought-provoking piece of poetry.
Unpacking the Themes
One of the primary themes of "When the Children Come Home" is the longing for reunion and the joy of family connections. The poem paints a picture of a household where a loving mother and father eagerly anticipate the arrival of their children, who are "dear to [their] hearts" and the "light of [their] eyes." This theme of family love is one that resonates with readers from all walks of life, as it taps into a universal desire for companionship and connection.
Another important theme in the poem is the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The parents in the poem are aware that their children are growing up, and that their time together as a family is limited. The father notes that "the children will soon be grown" and that "the days are so short," emphasizing the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.
A third theme that emerges in the poem is the contrast between urban and rural life. The father speaks wistfully of his own childhood, spent "beneath the blue gums" and "by the creek," while his children are growing up in the city. This theme of the rural-urban divide is one that Lawson explores in many of his works, as he grapples with the challenges faced by those who are disconnected from the land and the natural world.
Symbolism and Imagery
Lawson's use of symbolism and imagery in "When the Children Come Home" is masterful, as he weaves together a tapestry of sights, sounds, and emotions that evoke the central themes of the poem. One of the most striking images in the poem is the image of the father waiting at the gate, scanning the horizon for his children's return. This image is powerful because it captures the sense of anticipation and longing that the father feels, and it also hints at the idea that the father's role is to protect and watch over his children.
Another important image in the poem is the image of the "bright, happy faces" of the children as they return home. This image is significant because it highlights the joy and excitement that the children feel at the prospect of seeing their parents again, and it also suggests the innocence and purity of childhood.
Throughout the poem, Lawson also makes use of symbolic language to convey deeper meanings. For example, the father describes the sound of the children's voices as "music to [his] ear," which suggests that their words are not just ordinary speech, but rather a form of art that brings him pleasure and comfort. Similarly, the mother's embrace is described as a "tender love-clasp," which emphasizes the affection and warmth that she feels toward her children.
Narrative Techniques
One of the most striking narrative techniques used by Lawson in "When the Children Come Home" is his use of repetition. The phrase "when the children come home" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and structure that reinforces the central theme of reunion. The repetition also serves to emphasize the importance of the children to the parents, and to underscore the idea that they are the heart of the family.
Another narrative technique employed by Lawson is his use of sensory language. Throughout the poem, he describes the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with the children's return, using language that engages the reader's senses and creates a vivid picture of the scene. For example, he writes of the "dusty road" and the "cracking whip," which convey the sounds of the children's journey home, and he also describes the "warm and tender" embrace of the mother, which evokes the sense of touch.
Finally, Lawson's use of dialogue is also significant in the poem, as it allows him to convey the thoughts and feelings of the parents in a more direct and personal way. The father's conversation with his wife, in which he reminisces about his own childhood and expresses his love for their children, is particularly moving, as it highlights the depth of the father's emotions and his desire to connect with his family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Henry Lawson's "When the Children Come Home" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of family love and reunion. Through his use of vivid imagery, symbolic language, and narrative techniques, Lawson creates a memorable and thought-provoking piece of poetry that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and cherishing the moments we have with those we love. Whether read as a simple celebration of family life or a commentary on the social and cultural context of the time, "When the Children Come Home" remains a timeless work of Australian literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Heartwarming Tale of "When the Children Come Home" by Henry Lawson
As a lover of poetry, I have come across many great works of art that have left me in awe. However, there is one particular poem that has always held a special place in my heart – "When the Children Come Home" by Henry Lawson. This classic piece of literature is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of family, love, and hope. In this article, I will provide a detailed analysis and explanation of this beautiful poem.
Background Information
Henry Lawson was an Australian writer and poet who lived from 1867 to 1922. He is considered one of the most significant literary figures in Australian history, and his works have been widely celebrated for their portrayal of the Australian bush and its people. "When the Children Come Home" is one of his most famous poems and was first published in 1893.
The Poem
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward manner, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which adds to the poem's musicality and makes it easy to read and remember. The poem's title, "When the Children Come Home," sets the tone for the entire piece and creates a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Stanza 1
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and introduces the central theme of the poem – the joy of family reunions. The speaker describes the feeling of waiting for loved ones to return home and the excitement that comes with their arrival. The use of the word "weary" in the first line creates a sense of longing and anticipation, while the phrase "the children come home" in the second line evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness.
Stanza 2
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of family reunions and highlights the importance of children in the family. The speaker describes the joy that children bring to the home and the happiness that comes with their presence. The use of the phrase "the light of the home" in the third line emphasizes the central role that children play in the family and the sense of completeness that they bring.
Stanza 3
The third stanza of the poem takes a more somber tone and highlights the pain of separation. The speaker describes the loneliness and sadness that comes with being apart from loved ones and the longing for their return. The use of the phrase "the long, long day" in the first line emphasizes the sense of time dragging on when waiting for someone you love.
Stanza 4
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of family reunions and the joy that comes with them. The speaker describes the excitement and happiness that comes with the arrival of loved ones and the sense of completeness that they bring. The use of the phrase "the world is bright" in the final line emphasizes the transformative power of love and family.
Analysis
The poem "When the Children Come Home" is a beautiful and heartwarming piece of literature that captures the essence of family, love, and hope. The poem's simple and straightforward language makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, while its musicality and rhyme scheme make it easy to read and remember.
The central theme of the poem is family reunions and the joy that comes with them. The speaker describes the excitement and anticipation that comes with waiting for loved ones to return home, as well as the happiness and completeness that comes with their presence. The poem also touches on the pain of separation and the longing for loved ones to return, highlighting the importance of family and the sense of loss that comes with being apart from those we love.
The poem's use of imagery is also noteworthy. The phrase "the light of the home" in the second stanza creates a vivid image of children bringing joy and happiness to the family, while the phrase "the long, long day" in the third stanza creates a sense of time dragging on when waiting for loved ones to return. The use of the phrase "the world is bright" in the final line of the poem emphasizes the transformative power of love and family, creating a sense of hope and optimism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "When the Children Come Home" is a beautiful and heartwarming poem that captures the essence of family, love, and hope. Henry Lawson's use of simple language, musicality, and imagery make the poem accessible and memorable, while its central theme of family reunions and the joy that comes with them resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. This classic piece of literature is a testament to the power of love and family, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published over a century ago.
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