“The Far Future” by Henry Kendall was published 1859 and is one of his first poems. “The Far Future” was sent in as a proposal for the national anthem of Australia. “The singer of the dawn” Henry Kendall was one of the first Australian poets claiming an Australian nation. He brought up the demands of independence from England.
This essay will show the progress which Henry Kendall visions for his optimistic imagination of shaping an Australian identity. However this essay will also discuss how on the other hand Kendall’s comment attached to the poem is comprehensible at the publishing date but tones down his claims.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Historical context of the poem
2. Analysis of "The Far Future"
2.1 Form and rhyme structure
2.2 Interpretation of the poem’s title and justification of claims
2.3 The exclusion of Aborigines in Kendall's vision
3. Process towards independence
3.1 Steps towards a sovereign nation
3.2 The role of progress and resistance
3.3 Non-violent resistance and democratic ideals
4. National identity and symbolism
4.1 The poem as a proposal for the national anthem
4.2 Transformation towards national pride
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines Henry Kendall's poem "The Far Future" to analyze how the author envisions the development of an Australian national identity and independence from British colonial rule. It investigates the tension between the poem's optimistic rhetoric of progress and the apologetic, cautious nature of Kendall's accompanying commentary.
- The impact of the Eureka Stockade on Australian sentiments.
- The use of allegory and metaphor to describe national progress.
- The concept of "white" Australia and its paradoxes regarding oppression.
- The role of non-violent resistance and democratic aspirations in shaping statehood.
Excerpt from the Book
The title of the poem “The Far Future” tones down the demand of the poem – Australia’s independence.
Although the poem predicts a bright future for Australia and claims an own national structure for this colony, it appears to be a dream or vision. The vague expression of a far future helps Henry Kendall to justify “that imagination” (comment). Without a clear time designation he can soften his argument that in the future Australia “has (been) placed where England has been” (l. 12). Since the United States of America achieved independence from England, Australia hopes for a peaceful Detachment with “Honour and Justice” (l. 18). Also the adjective “far” in the title “The Far Future” helps the poet to justify his dreams to the (English) reader.
As a patriot he considers his claim for independence “reasonable (…) as it (comes) from a native- born Australian brain” (comment). He “hope(s) the above (poem) will not be considered disloyal” (comment) by the English, so he fears that his poem provokes distrust in the Australian people. This comment shows the insecurity and dependence concerning Australia’s relationship to England. The colony still feels inferior despite the long distance to England. The historical background is that the Eureka Stockade although it was unsuccessful created the circumstances for an Australian sovereign nation. To the reader the comment at the end seems like an apology. By this comment Henry Kendall can both express his dreams and hopes for his nation but also hedge.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces Henry Kendall and his 1859 poem, setting the stage for the analysis of his vision for Australian independence.
2. Analysis of "The Far Future": This section explores the structural elements of the poem and discusses the inherent tensions in Kendall’s rhetoric, including his limited perspective on national identity.
3. Process towards independence: This chapter details the three-step progression toward sovereignty described in the poem, emphasizing the roles of progress, resistance, and democratic thought.
4. National identity and symbolism: This part examines the poem’s function as a potential national anthem and how it attempts to foster national pride to overcome colonial inferiority.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the inconsistency between the revolutionary spirit of the poem and the cautious, apologetic stance taken by the author in his personal commentary.
Keywords
Henry Kendall, The Far Future, Australia, Independence, British Empire, National Identity, Eureka Stockade, Colonialism, Progress, Democracy, Poetry, Sovereignty, Resistance, Anthem, Allegory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this analysis?
The paper analyzes Henry Kendall’s poem "The Far Future" to explore how he envisions Australian independence and national identity in the mid-19th century.
What are the central themes discussed in the paper?
Central themes include the struggle for colonial independence, the influence of historical events like the Eureka Stockade, and the contradiction between optimistic poetry and apologetic political commentary.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to show the progress Kendall envisions for Australia and to discuss how his accompanying comments reconcile his nationalist claims with his loyalty to the British Empire.
Which methodology is applied in this work?
The work employs literary and historical analysis, focusing on textual evidence from the poem and comparing it with the historical context of colonial Australia.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the structure of the poem, the metaphor of progress, the exclusion of Aboriginal perspectives, and the promotion of democratic, non-violent resistance.
How are the keywords defined?
The keywords, such as "sovereignty," "colonialism," and "national identity," capture the intersection of political history and literary expression found in Kendall’s work.
How does Kendall utilize the concept of "progress" in his work?
Kendall portrays progress as an inevitable, quiet, and powerful force that naturally elevates Australia to the status previously held by England.
Why does the author of the essay highlight the Eureka Stockade?
The Eureka Stockade is cited as the historical catalyst that fostered anti-English sentiment and created the necessary conditions for Australians to imagine themselves as a sovereign nation.
What is the significance of the poem being a proposal for a national anthem?
It highlights the author's intent to create a symbol of national recognition and to demand freedom and pride on the international stage.
- Quote paper
- Vera Henne (Author), 2012, Henry Kendall's “The Far Future”. Shaping an Australian Identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/341504
