DAD by C.J. Dennis (1912)
The work explores the life of an elderly man, known as Dad Flood, who has faced the challenges of aging and the emotional toll of war. The narrative is delivered through the perspective of an observer who has known Flood for several years. Flood is portrayed as a proud, stubborn individual who has dedicated his life to farming and has recently handed over responsibilities to his son, Syd. The onset of war disrupts their lives, as Syd is torn between his duty to fight and his loyalty to his family. Flood encourages his son to enlist, masking his own fears and pride. As the story unfolds, Flood's physical decline becomes evident, exacerbated by the burden of his son's absence. Despite his illness, he resists help from others, showcasing his fierce independence and unwillingness to accept charity. The observer and his friends secretly assist Flood with farm work, highlighting the community's respect for him and their desire to support him without undermining his pride. The emotional weight of the narrative is deepened by Flood's unspoken grief for his son, who has been away for six years. The work ultimately reflects on themes of sacrifice, pride, and the silent struggles faced by those left behind during wartime. Flood's character embodies the resilience and complexity of human emotions in the face of adversity.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Family, Humor · 1,405 words
First lines
I've knowed ole Flood this last five year or more; I knoo 'im when 'is Syd went to the war. A proud ole man 'e was. But I've watched 'im, An' seen 'is look when people spoke uv Jim: As sour a look as most coves want to see. It made me glad that this 'ere Jim weren't me.
I sized up Flood the first day that we met -- Stubborn as blazes when 'is mind is set, Ole-fashioned in 'is looks an' in 'is ways, Believin' it is honesty that pays; An' still dead set, in spite uv bumps 'e's got, To keep on honest if it pays or not.
What this Textopian page supports
DAD is listed on Textopian as a poem by C.J. Dennis, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Family, Humor
- Length: 1,405 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for DAD by C.J. Dennis
- 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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- A Father To A Mother by George Macdonald
- Grandpapa by Dinah Mulock
- Father And Child by Charles Kingsley
- To A Little Child M H by Gilbert Parker
- Songs For Parents Garden Musings by John Chipman Farrar
Genres
- Poetry — C.J. Dennis is a renowned Australian poet and this book includes his poems depicting various aspects of fatherhood.
- Family — The title 'DAD' and the book's content suggest that it deals with family matters. It tells various stories about being a father.
- Humor — C.J. Dennis is known for his humorous and satirical style. This book contains humorous takes on common situations and idiosyncrasies of being a father.
Tags
fatherhood · parenting · humor · poetry · Australian literature · family · nostalgia · relationships · life lessons · love · childhood · wisdom