Body Image and the Outback in Australian Poetry: Analysis of Les Murray and Henry Lawson

Analysis of "On Home Beaches" by Les Murray

Body Image in a Consumerist Society

Les Murray's poem "On Home Beaches" explores the theme of body image and its significance in a consumerist society. It highlights the humiliation faced by individuals who do not conform to conventional beauty standards, particularly in environments like beaches where bodies are exposed.

Subverting the Sonnet Form

The poem adopts the sonnet form, traditionally associated with love and tenderness. Murray ironically subverts this form by using it to depict mortification and ridicule, contrasting the conventional themes of love with the harsh realities of body shaming.

Imagery of the Seaside

The poem utilizes vivid imagery of the seaside, including sand, towels, waves, foam, and people engaging in beach activities. Words like "belch," "cash," and "sliding" evoke auditory and visual sensations associated with the beach. However, this seemingly positive imagery is juxtaposed with other words that create a sense of discomfort and contrast.

Analysis of "Water Them Geraniums" by Henry Lawson

The Outback's Emasculating Force

In Henry Lawson's "Water Them Geraniums," the Australian outback is portrayed as a harsh and unforgiving environment that particularly affects women. It strips away their humanity, reducing them to a mechanical existence focused on survival.

Loss of Humanity and Femininity

The story suggests that isolation from society can lead to a loss of humanity. The protagonist's death is described as being "very little different to when she was alive," implying a prior loss of vitality. However, it's important to note that her womanliness and humanity are still present in her maternal instincts and social interactions. These qualities are reawakened in social situations, highlighting how her isolated life in the outback suppresses her femininity and humanity.