Over the Fence by C.J. Dennis (1917)
The work presents a humorous and insightful exploration of human nature and social dynamics through a dialogue between neighbors. The protagonist engages in a spirited debate with a man named Poole, who is staunchly partisan in his political views. Their conversation, sparked by a request for a spade, quickly devolves into a heated argument about their respective political affiliations. The protagonist reflects on the absurdity of their squabble, especially in light of the larger struggles faced by those who have fought in wars. Digger Smith, a returned soldier, interjects with a perspective shaped by his experiences, emphasizing the futility of petty arguments in the face of significant challenges. He critiques the tendency to take sides for the sake of it, recalling his own youthful partisanship in sports. The dialogue reveals a contrast between the triviality of their current disputes and the gravity of real-world conflicts. Ultimately, the work underscores the importance of perspective, suggesting that those who have faced greater adversities may find such squabbles trivial and unworthy of their time. The narrative combines wit and social commentary, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of conflict and the value of unity over division.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Anthology · 1,186 words
First lines
'TAINT my idea uv argument to call a man a fool, An' I ain't lookin' round for bricks to 'eave at ole man Poole; But when 'e gets disputin' 'e's inclined to lose 'is 'ead. It ain't so much 'is choice uv words as 'ow the words is said.
'E's sich a coot for takin' sides, as I sez to Doreen. Sez she, "Ow can 'e, by 'imself ? " Wotever that may mean. My wife sez little things sometimes that nearly git me riled. I knoo she meant more than she said be that soft way she smiled.
What this Textopian page supports
Over the Fence is listed on Textopian as a short story by C.J. Dennis, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: C.J. Dennis
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Anthology
- Length: 1,186 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Over the Fence by C.J. Dennis
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — C.J. Dennis is known for his poetry, and 'Over the Fence' is part of his poetry collection.
- Humor — The book contains humorous, lighthearted poems that reflect everyday life situations.
- Anthology — The book is a collection of individual poems each standing on its own.
Tags
poetry · Australian literature · humor · nature · rural life · community · friendship · nostalgia · landscapes · everyday life · observational · whimsy