Driver Smith
The book "Driver Smith" by Andrew Barton Paterson is a novel that tells the story of a man named Driver Smith who lives in the Australian outback. The book follows Driver's journey as he navigates the harsh landscape and encounters various characters, including a mysterious woman who may or may not be a ghost. Throughout the book, Paterson explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the human condition. The writing is descriptive and poetic, with a focus on the beauty and danger of the Australian outback. Overall, "Driver Smith" is a thought-provoking and atmospheric novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction and the works of Paterson.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Historical · 1,024 words
First lines
'Twas Driver Smith of Battery A was anxious to see a fight; He thought of the Transvaal all the day, he thought of it all the night -- 'Well, if the battery's left behind, I'll go to the war,' says he, 'I'll go a-driving an ambulance in the ranks of the A.M.C.
'I'm fairly sick of these here parades, it's want of a change that kills A-charging the Randwick Rifle Range and aiming at Surry Hills. And I think if I go with the ambulance I'm certain to find a show, For they have to send the Medical men wherever the troops can go.
What this Textopian page supports
Driver Smith is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Historical, Folklore
- Length: 1,024 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Driver Smith by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Driver Smith?
- How does this poem by Andrew Barton Paterson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Bullock by Andrew Barton Paterson
- With The Cattle by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Mountain Squatter by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Its Grand by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Clancy Of The Overflow by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Gundaroo Bullock by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Poetry — The author, Andrew Barton Paterson, is a renowned Australian bush poet, and the book 'Driver Smith' features his signature verse style.
- Australian Literature — As a work from a significant figure in Australian literature, stories revolve around rural and outback areas, generally drawing on life in the Australian bush.
- Historical — While not necessarily historical in the strictly factual sense, Paterson's works often encapsulate the 'feel' of a bygone era in Australian history.
- Folklore — Patrick's stories, including 'Driver Smith' often incorporate elements of traditional and popular tales, forming a significant part of Australia's cultural folklore.
Tags
Australian literature · classic fiction · driver protagonist · adventure novel · outback setting · frontier life · pioneer spirit · nature writing · travel literature · exploration · historical fiction · 19th century