'In The Days When The World Was Wide' by Henry Lawson

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The world is narrow and ways are short, and our lives are dull and slow,
For little is new where the crowds resort, and less where the wanderers go;
Greater, or smaller, the same old things we see by the dull road-side --
And tired of all is the spirit that sings
of the days when the world was wide.

When the North was hale in the march of Time,
and the South and the West were new,
And the gorgeous East was a pantomime, as it seemed in our boyhood's view;
When Spain was first on the waves of change,
and proud in the ranks of pride,
And all was wonderful, new and strange in the days when the world was wide.

Then a man could fight if his heart were bold,
and win if his faith were true --
Were it love, or honour, or power, or gold, or all that our hearts pursue;
Could live to the world for the family name, or die for the family pride,
Could fly from sorrow, and wrong, and shame
in the days when the world was wide.

They sailed away in the ships that sailed ere science controlled the main,
When the strong, brave heart of a man prevailed
as 'twill never prevail again;
They knew not whither, nor much they cared --
let Fate or the winds decide --
The worst of the Great Unknown they dared
in the days when the world was wide.

They raised new stars on the silent sea that filled their hearts with awe;
They came to many a strange countree and marvellous sights they saw.
The villagers gaped at the tales they told,
and old eyes glistened with pride --
When barbarous cities were paved with gold
in the days when the world was wide.

'Twas honest metal and honest wood, in the days of the Outward Bound,
When men were gallant and ships were good -- roaming the wide world round.
The gods could envy a leader then when `Follow me, lads!' he cried --
They faced each other and fought like men
in the days when the world was wide.

They tried to live as a freeman should -- they were happier men than we,
In the glorious days of wine and blood, when Liberty crossed the sea;
'Twas a comrade true or a foeman then, and a trusty sword well tried --
They faced each other and fought like men
in the days when the world was wide.

The good ship bound for the Southern seas when the beacon was Ballarat,
With a `Ship ahoy!' on the freshening breeze,
`Where bound?' and `What ship's that?' --
The emigrant train to New Mexico -- the rush to the Lachlan Side --
Ah! faint is the echo of Westward Ho!
from the days when the world was wide.

South, East, and West in advance of Time -- and, ay! in advance of Thought
Those brave men rose to a height sublime -- and is it for this they fought?
And is it for this damned life we praise the god-like spirit that died
At Eureka Stockade in the Roaring Days
with the days when the world was wide?

We fight like women, and feel as much; the thoughts of our hearts we guard;
Where scarcely the scorn of a god could touch,
the sneer of a sneak hits hard;
The treacherous tongue and cowardly pen, the weapons of curs, decide --
They faced each other and fought like men
in the days when the world was wide.

Think of it all -- of the life that is!Study your friends and foes!
Study the past!And answer this:`Are these times better than those?'
The life-long quarrel, the paltry spite, the sting of your poisoned pride!
No matter who fell it were better to fight
as they did when the world was wide.

Boast as you will of your mateship now -- crippled and mean and sly --
The lines of suspicion on friendship's brow
were traced since the days gone by.
There was room in the long, free lines of the van
to fight for it side by side --
There was beating-room for the heart of a man
in the days when the world was wide.

.....

With its dull, brown days of a-shilling-an-hour
the dreary year drags round:
Is this the result of Old England's power?
-- the bourne of the Outward Bound?
Is this the sequel of Westward Ho! -- of the days of Whate'er Betide?
The heart of the rebel makes answer `No!
We'll fight till the world grows wide!'

The world shall yet be a wider world -- for the tokens are manifest;
East and North shall the wrongs be hurled that followed us South and West.
The march of Freedom is North by the Dawn!Follow, whate'er betide!
Sons of the Exiles, march!March on!March till the world grows wide!

Editor 1 Interpretation

In The Days When The World Was Wide: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Henry Lawson's "In The Days When The World Was Wide" is a powerful and emotionally evocative poem that speaks of the hardships and struggles faced by early Australian settlers. First published in 1896, the poem is a masterpiece of Australian literature that captures the spirit of a nation still in the process of coming into being. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism used by Lawson in this poem, as well as its historical and cultural significance.

Historical and Cultural Context

"In The Days When The World Was Wide" is set in the 19th century, a time when Australia was still a British colony and the vast majority of its population were recent immigrants from the UK and Ireland. These settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh environmental conditions, limited resources, and isolation from their homeland. They also had to contend with the displacement of Indigenous Australians, who were often forced off their ancestral lands and into increasingly marginalised roles within the colonial economy.

Lawson's poem reflects this historical context in several ways. The poem's opening lines, "In the days when the world was wide and fair / And the splendid sun o'erhead / Unfurled the flag of the day to the breeze, / Young Peter McKinnen said" evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when life was simpler and the natural world was more dominant. The poem's protagonist, Peter McKinnen, embodies the struggles of the early settlers, as he sets out to make a new life for himself in the harsh Australian outback.

Themes and Imagery

One of the most prominent themes in "In The Days When The World Was Wide" is the idea of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. This is exemplified by Peter McKinnen, who is determined to make a success of his new life, despite the many obstacles he faces. The poem also touches on themes of loneliness and isolation, as Peter is forced to contend with the vast emptiness of the Australian landscape and the absence of his loved ones.

Lawson's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying these themes. For example, the image of the "sad-faced men who knew that nevermore / Their homes would gladden with wife or child" captures the sense of loss and isolation experienced by many early settlers, who were often separated from their families for long periods of time. The use of natural imagery, such as the "red horizon's edge" and the "dreamy haze of the hills," serves to emphasise the vastness and harshness of the Australian landscape, which was both beautiful and unforgiving.

Symbolism

Another significant aspect of "In The Days When The World Was Wide" is its use of symbolism. The poem's title itself is symbolic, as it suggests a time when the world was still unexplored and full of opportunity. The figure of Peter McKinnen can also be seen as a symbol of the early settlers, who were pioneering new frontiers and forging a new identity for themselves in Australia.

One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of the "lonely grave on the hill," which represents both the difficulty of life in the Australian outback and the resilience of those who chose to make their home there. The grave is a reminder of the many hardships experienced by early settlers, including illness, violence, and accidents. At the same time, it also serves as a testament to their determination and courage in the face of such adversity.

Literary Techniques

Lawson's use of language and literary techniques is another key aspect of "In The Days When The World Was Wide." The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with a regular rhyme scheme and a clear narrative arc. However, Lawson's use of repetition, alliteration, and other poetic devices adds depth and complexity to the poem.

For example, the repeated phrase "in the days when the world was wide" creates a sense of continuity and nostalgia, as if the speaker is looking back on a lost golden age. The use of alliteration, such as in the phrase "the sun o'erhead / unfurled the flag of the day," gives the poem a musical quality that echoes the natural rhythms of the Australian landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "In The Days When The World Was Wide" is a deeply moving and evocative poem that captures the spirit of early Australian settlers and their struggles to build a new life in a harsh and unforgiving land. The poem's themes of resilience, perseverance, and isolation are timeless and universal, and its use of imagery and symbolism is both powerful and effective. Henry Lawson's masterpiece remains an enduring testament to the human spirit and the challenges we face in forging a new path in life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry In The Days When The World Was Wide: A Masterpiece of Australian Literature

Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian writers, penned down the classic poem "Poetry In The Days When The World Was Wide" in 1896. The poem is a reflection of the author's life experiences and his love for the Australian outback. It is a masterpiece of Australian literature that captures the essence of the country's rugged beauty, its people, and their struggles.

The poem is a tribute to the power of poetry and its ability to transport the reader to another world. It is a celebration of the beauty of nature and the human spirit that endures even in the harshest of conditions. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own unique message and theme.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes the setting. The author describes the vastness of the Australian outback and the beauty of its natural landscape. He talks about the "sunset splendour" and the "purple ranges" that stretch as far as the eye can see. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and powerful, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and harsh.

The second stanza is a reflection on the power of poetry. The author talks about how poetry can transport the reader to another world, a world that is free from the constraints of reality. He talks about how poetry can make the reader forget their troubles and transport them to a place of beauty and wonder. The stanza ends with the powerful line, "And the world was wider than the world we see."

The third stanza is a reflection on the struggles of the people who live in the outback. The author talks about the hardships they face, from droughts to floods, and how they endure despite the odds. He talks about the resilience of the human spirit and how it is able to overcome even the harshest of conditions. The stanza ends with the line, "And the world was better than the world we know."

The final stanza is a reflection on the passing of time and the changes that come with it. The author talks about how the world has changed since the days when he was young, and how the outback has become more civilized. He talks about how the world has become smaller and how the distances that once seemed so vast have now been bridged. The stanza ends with the line, "And the world is less than the world of old."

Overall, "Poetry In The Days When The World Was Wide" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the Australian outback and the human spirit that endures despite the odds. It is a celebration of the power of poetry and its ability to transport the reader to another world. The poem is a testament to the beauty of nature and the resilience of the human spirit, and it is a masterpiece of Australian literature that deserves to be celebrated for generations to come.

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