The Passing of Gundagai
The Passing of Gundagai is a poem written by Andrew Barton Paterson in 1906. It tells the story of a small town in New South Wales, Australia, and its decline over time. The poem is known for its vivid imagery and use of symbolism, as well as its exploration of themes such as time, change, and the passing of things.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Australian literature · 827 words
First lines
'I'll introdooce a friend!' he said, And if you've got a vacant pen You'd better take him in the shed And start him shearing straight ahead, He's one of these here quiet men.
'He never strikes -- that ain't his game; No matter what the others try HE goes on shearing just the same. I never rightly knew his name -- We always call him "Gundagai"!'
What this Textopian page supports
The Passing of Gundagai is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Australian literature
- Length: 827 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- An Idyll Of Dandaloo by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Reveille by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Road To Gundagai by Andrew Barton Paterson
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Genres
- Poetry — The book is a collection of poems written by Andrew Barton Paterson, making this the primary genre.
- Historical — Many poems, including the title poem 'The Passing of Gundagai', reference historical events and settings in Australia.
- Australian literature — As the author Andrew Barton Paterson is Australian and the book includes themes relevant to Australian history and culture, this genre is applicable.
Tags
Australian literature · classic fiction · poetry · nature writing · travel writing · historical fiction · romance · family drama · coming of age · death and grief · small town life · Riverina region