'When The `Army' Prays For Watty' by Henry Lawson
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When the kindly hours of darkness, save for light of moon and star,
Hide the picture on the signboard over Doughty's Horse Bazaar;
When the last rose-tint is fading on the distant mulga scrub,
Then the Army prays for Watty at the entrance of his pub.
Now, I often sit at Watty's when the night is very near,
With a head that's full of jingles and the fumes of bottled beer,
For I always have a fancy that, if I am over there
When the Army prays for Watty, I'm included in the prayer.
Watty lounges in his arm-chair, in its old accustomed place,
With a fatherly expression on his round and passive face;
And his arms are clasped before him in a calm, contented way,
And he nods his head and dozes when he hears the Army pray.
And I wonder does he ponder on the distant years and dim,
Or his chances over yonder, when the Army prays for him?
Has he not a fear connected with the warm place down below,
Where, according to good Christians, all the publicans should go?
But his features give no token of a feeling in his breast,
Save of peace that is unbroken and a conscience well at rest;
And we guzzle as we guzzled long before the Army came,
And the loafers wait for `shouters' and -- they get there just the same.
It would take a lot of praying -- lots of thumping on the drum --
To prepare our sinful, straying, erring souls for Kingdom Come;
But I love my fellow-sinners, and I hope, upon the whole,
That the Army gets a hearing when it prays for Watty's soul.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When The 'Army' Prays For Watty: A Critical Analysis
Henry Lawson was a renowned Australian poet, whose works reflected the harsh realities of life in the outback. His poem, "When The 'Army' Prays For Watty," is no exception. Written in 1891, the poem tells the story of a young soldier's tragic death and the impact it has on his comrades.
Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. The late 1800s were a time of great change in Australia. The country was still a young nation, having only gained independence from Britain in 1901. This period was also marked by economic depression, droughts, and social unrest.
Against this backdrop, many young men were drawn to the military as a source of employment and adventure. However, their experiences in the army were often far from glamorous. Disease, harsh living conditions, and the threat of death were constant companions. Many soldiers also struggled with issues such as homesickness, loneliness, and mental illness.
Poem Summary
"When The 'Army' Prays For Watty" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young soldier named Watty. The poem opens with Watty's comrades gathering around his deathbed. Watty is dying of consumption, a disease that was common among soldiers at the time.
As Watty slips away, his comrades gather around him and begin to pray. They pray not for Watty's soul, but for his salvation. They hope that Watty will be forgiven for his sins and that he will be able to join them in heaven.
The poem then shifts to a flashback, in which we see Watty's life before he joined the army. He was a carefree young man who loved to drink, gamble, and chase women. However, he also had a good heart and was well-liked by his friends.
When Watty joins the army, he quickly learns that life is not as fun as it used to be. He is plagued by homesickness and loneliness, and he misses his family and friends. However, he also forms close bonds with his comrades and learns to appreciate their camaraderie.
As the poem nears its end, we see Watty's comrades mourning his death. They are saddened by the loss of their friend and brother-in-arms. However, they also take comfort in the fact that Watty is now at peace and that he is in a better place.
Interpretation
At its core, "When The 'Army' Prays For Watty" is a poem about the human cost of war. It shows us the harsh realities of life in the army, and it highlights the toll that war takes on soldiers both physically and mentally.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of salvation. Watty's comrades pray for his salvation, hoping that he will be forgiven for his sins and that he will be able to join them in heaven. This reflects the religious beliefs of many soldiers at the time, who saw their service as a way to atone for their past sins.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of camaraderie. Watty's comrades form close bonds with him, and they mourn his death as if he were a brother. This shows us the importance of friendship and support in times of hardship, and it highlights the sense of community that soldiers often feel when they are serving together.
The poem also touches on issues such as homesickness, loneliness, and mental illness. We see Watty struggling with these issues as he tries to adapt to life in the army. This reflects the experiences of many soldiers at the time, who often found it difficult to cope with the challenges of military life.
Stylistic Analysis
From a stylistic standpoint, "When The 'Army' Prays For Watty" is a well-crafted poem that makes use of a variety of literary devices. One of the most notable of these is the use of flashback. By shifting back and forth between the present and the past, Lawson is able to create a sense of depth and complexity in his characters.
Another important device is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, we see certain phrases and words repeated, such as "salvation" and "the army." This creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the key themes of the poem.
Lawson also makes use of imagery to create a vivid picture of life in the army. We see the soldiers gathered around Watty's bed, the harsh conditions of military life, and the sense of loss and grief that follows his death.
Conclusion
"When The 'Army' Prays For Watty" is a powerful poem that captures the human cost of war. Through the story of Watty and his comrades, Henry Lawson shows us the harsh realities of military life and the toll that it takes on soldiers both physically and mentally. The poem also highlights the importance of friendship and support in times of hardship, and it reminds us of the value of camaraderie and community. Overall, this is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Lawson's skill as a poet and storyteller.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When The Army Prays For Watty: A Masterpiece by Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson, one of the greatest Australian poets, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. His poem "When The Army Prays For Watty" is a classic example of his genius, and it continues to resonate with readers even today. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it is considered a masterpiece.
The poem tells the story of Watty, a soldier who is wounded and left to die on the battlefield. As he lies there, he hears the army praying for him, and he realizes that he is not alone. The poem is a powerful meditation on the themes of war, sacrifice, and the human spirit. It is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the bravery of those who fight in it.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the character of Watty. The second stanza describes the army praying for him, and the third stanza is a reflection on the power of prayer. The final stanza is a tribute to Watty and his sacrifice.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, but it is also deeply emotional and evocative. Lawson uses vivid imagery to bring the battlefield to life, and he captures the fear and desperation of the soldiers. The poem is full of powerful metaphors and similes that help to convey the intensity of the emotions that the soldiers are feeling.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "When the army prays for Watty" is repeated throughout the poem, and it serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem. The repetition also creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the soldiers, as they all come together to pray for their fallen comrade.
Another important aspect of the poem is its use of religious imagery. The soldiers are depicted as praying to God for Watty's salvation, and this creates a sense of hope and comfort in the midst of the chaos of war. The poem suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is still a glimmer of hope and a belief in something greater than ourselves.
The poem is also notable for its use of irony. The soldiers are praying for Watty's salvation, but they are also the ones who put him in harm's way in the first place. The poem suggests that war is a senseless and tragic endeavor, and that the soldiers who fight in it are often the victims of their own actions.
In conclusion, "When The Army Prays For Watty" is a masterpiece of Australian poetry. It is a powerful meditation on the themes of war, sacrifice, and the human spirit, and it continues to resonate with readers today. The poem's structure, language, and use of repetition and irony all contribute to its impact and its enduring appeal. Henry Lawson was a true master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his genius.
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