To be Amused by Henry Lawson (1900)
The work presents a critical perspective on the societal and political issues facing Australia, emphasizing a sense of urgency and impending doom. The speaker addresses a callous audience that seeks amusement and distraction while ignoring the grave realities of their nation. The poem opens with a stark contrast between the desire for joy and the looming dangers, highlighting the superficiality of entertainment in the face of serious threats. The speaker critiques the obsession with sports and gambling, suggesting that such pursuits are a form of escapism that distracts from the dire state of the country. The imagery of a "thirsty land" and "wasted wealth" paints a bleak picture of environmental degradation and economic decline. The reference to "black race suicide" and "starved and murdered industries" underscores the social injustices and the consequences of neglecting the marginalized. As the poem progresses, the speaker warns against the complacency that allows external threats, particularly from Asian nations, to encroach upon Australia. The call for awareness and action is urgent, as the speaker implores the audience to recognize the potential loss of their heritage and identity. The tone shifts from despair to a rallying cry for unity and resilience, urging Australians to prepare for defense and to reclaim their agency. The imagery of the Bushman and the call to arms evokes a sense of national pride and the need for collective effort. The speaker advocates for practical measures, such as building fortifications and investing in industries, to safeguard the future. The poem concludes with a powerful exhortation to cleanse the nation of detrimental influences and to fortify its position in the world. Overall, the work serves as a poignant commentary on the tension between the pursuit of pleasure and the necessity of confronting harsh realities, urging a proactive stance in the face of existential threats.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Political · 812 words
First lines
You ask me to be gay and glad While lurid clouds of danger loom, And vain and bad and gambling mad, Australia races to her doom. You bid me sing the light and fair, The dance, the glance on pleasure's wings -- While you have wives who will not bear, And beer to drown the fear of things.
A war with reason you would wage To be amused for your short span, Until your children's heritage Is claimed for China by Japan. The football match, the cricket score, The "scraps", the tote, the mad'ning Cup -- You drunken fools that evermore "To-morrow morning" sober up!
What this Textopian page supports
To be Amused is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Political, Historical, Satire
- Length: 812 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal issues, including race, patriotism, and the consequences of neglect.
- Political — It addresses political themes related to national identity and the implications of war.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical contexts and events relevant to Australia and its society.
Tags
humor · Australian literature · short stories · satire · social commentary · everyday life · working class · rural settings · character studies · irony · cultural critique · nostalgia