Over the Range
Over the Range is a novel written by Andrew Barton Paterson, published in 1907. The book follows the story of a young man named Alan Marston who inherits a vast ranch in the Australian outback after his uncle's death. As he settles into his new life as a rancher, Alan faces challenges from both the harsh environment and the indigenous people who have lived on the land for generations. Through his experiences, Paterson explores themes of identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures in the Australian frontier.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Adventure · 377 words
First lines
Little bush maiden, wondering-eyed, Playing alone in the creek-bed dry, In the small green flat on every side Walled in by the Moonbi ranges high; Tell us the tale of your lonely life, 'Mid the great grey forests that know no change. 'I never have left my home,' she said, 'I have never been over the Moonbi Range.
'Father and mother are both long dead, And I live with granny in yon wee place.' 'Where are your father and mother?' we said. She puzzled awhile with thoughtful face, Then a light came into the shy brown eye, And she smiled, for she thought the question strange On a thing so certain -- 'When people die They go to the country over the range.'
What this Textopian page supports
Over the Range 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, Adventure, Nature
- Length: 377 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Over the Range 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 Over the Range?
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The book contains a collection of poems by the author; the core genre is therefore poetry.
- Australian Literature — Written by a renowned Australian author, the poetry encompass themes and landscapes common to Australian Literature.
- Adventure — Several poems in the collection describe adventurous experiences in the Australian outback, aligning with the Adventure genre.
- Nature — The author frequently uses breathtaking descriptions of the Australian landscape; its wildlife and environment leads to the Nature genre.
Tags
western · frontier · settlers · pioneers · cowboys · Indians · Native Americans · wild west · adventure · romance · action · drama