Ave a 'Eart! by C.J. Dennis (1930)
The narrative unfolds in a gritty, urban setting, where a protagonist finds himself embroiled in a chaotic brawl. The speaker, a rough and brash character, observes the aftermath of a fight involving his friend Spike and another man, referred to as Rat-face. The speaker's tone is both confrontational and humorous, as he critiques Rat-face's cowardice and expresses disdain for the brutality of the situation. As the fight escalates, the speaker reflects on the absurdity of the violence, contrasting his own resilience with Rat-face's fear. The scene is set in a backroom of a Chinese establishment, filled with a motley crew of characters, including a parson who appears disapproving of the ruckus. The speaker revels in his physical prowess, feeling a surge of confidence despite the chaos around him. The tension heightens when the police are mentioned, prompting a hasty escape through a labyrinth of hidden passages in the establishment. The speaker and the parson navigate through a surreal environment filled with exotic sights and sounds, emphasizing the contrast between their frantic flight and the vibrant, chaotic backdrop. Upon reaching safety, the speaker grapples with feelings of guilt and shame over the violence, particularly in light of their mission to save a woman named Rose. The parson, embodying a moral compass, questions the effectiveness of their brutish methods and urges a more compassionate approach. The speaker, however, remains focused on their goal, dismissing the parson's concerns about morality in favor of practical outcomes. The dialogue between the two reveals a clash of values: the speaker's pragmatic, rough-and-tumble approach versus the parson's idealistic, gentle philosophy. Despite the parson's stern demeanor, moments of levity emerge, showcasing the complexity of their relationship. The speaker's bravado is tempered by the parson's earnestness, leading to a nuanced exploration of friendship, violence, and redemption. Ultimately, the work captures the essence of human struggle within a gritty urban landscape, blending humor with serious themes of morality and the consequences of one's actions. The characters navigate their chaotic world, seeking to balance their desires with the ethical implications of their choices, all while maintaining a sense of camaraderie amidst the turmoil.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Drama · 2,162 words
First lines
"Ere! 'Ave a 'eart! " 'e sez. "Why, love a duck! A 'uman bein' ain't a choppin' block! There ain't no call fer you to go an' chuck A man about when 'e 'as took the knock. Gaw! Do yeh want to bust 'im all apart! 'Ere! 'Ave a 'eart!
"Aw, 'ave a 'eart! " 'e weeps. "A fight's a fight; But, strike me bandy, this is bloody war! It's murder! An' you got no blasted right To arst a 'uman man to come fer more. 'E 'ad no chance with you right frum the start. Aw, 'ave a 'eart!
What this Textopian page supports
Ave a 'Eart! is listed on Textopian as a poem by C.J. Dennis, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: C.J. Dennis
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Drama, Social Commentary, Narrative
- Length: 2,162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ave a 'Eart! by C.J. Dennis
- 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 Ave a 'Eart!?
- How does this poem by C.J. Dennis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Spike Wegg by C. J. Dennis
- The Bridge Across The Crick by C. J. Dennis
- Termarter Sorce by C. J. Dennis
- The Also Ran by C. J. Dennis
- The Little Homes by C. J. Dennis
- The Cultured Constable by C. J. Dennis
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The text contains comedic elements, including exaggerated characters and situations, creating a humorous tone.
- Drama — The narrative involves conflict and emotional intensity, typical of dramatic literature.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal issues and human behavior, providing insights into the human condition.
Tags
Australian literature · poetry · humor · nature · rural life · satire · vernacular · cultural identity · landscape · community · friendship · nostalgia