Stone the Crows by C.J. Dennis
The narrative centers on Danny Dunn, a man who is infatuated with a woman named Rose. He expresses his admiration for her beauty and charm but feels insecure about his chances of winning her affection. Despite his self-doubt, he is determined to pursue her, reflecting on his lack of experience with women and his unkempt appearance. The speaker, who seems to be a friend or confidant of Danny, encourages him to be bold and assertive in his approach to Rose. He believes that Danny should not hesitate or overthink his actions, suggesting that women often need a strong man to take the lead. The speaker shares his own experience of successfully wooing his wife, emphasizing the importance of confidence and decisiveness in romantic pursuits. As the story unfolds, the speaker devises a plan for Danny to attend a dance where he can impress Rose. He insists that Danny should dress well and be prepared to make a strong impression. Danny, initially hesitant about dancing, is persuaded by the prospect of winning Rose's heart. The underlying themes include the complexities of courtship, the societal expectations of masculinity, and the dynamics of romantic relationships. The speaker's motivations for helping Danny are somewhat ambiguous, as he grapples with his own insecurities and the desire for respect in his marriage. The narrative captures the essence of love, ambition, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1948 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic Comedy, Australian Literature · 1,132 words
First lines
"Why stone the crows! " 'e sez. "I like 'er style, But alwiz, some'ow, women 'ave appeared Set fer to 'old me orf a 'arf a mile. I dunno wot's agin me: p'raps me beard. But, some'ow, when I speak 'em soft they run. I ain't no ladies' man," sez Danny Dunn.
"I like 'er style," 'e sez. "Wot's 'er name? Rose. The neatest filly that I ever see. She'd run in double splendid. But I s'pose, She'd never 'arness with the likes uv me. Wot age you tell me? Risin' twenty-nine? Well, stone the flamin' crows! She'd do me fine.
What this Textopian page supports
Stone the Crows is listed on Textopian as a poem by C.J. Dennis, dated 1948 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: 1948 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic Comedy, Australian Literature, Humor, Character Study
- Length: 1,132 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Stone the Crows by C.J. Dennis
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic Comedy — The plot revolves around romantic pursuits and humorous situations related to courtship.
- Australian Literature — The author, C.J. Dennis, is known for his contributions to Australian literature, often reflecting Australian culture and vernacular.
- Humor — The dialogue and situations are infused with humor, showcasing the comedic aspects of the characters' interactions.
Tags
poetry · Australian literature · humor · satire · nature · rural life · crows · animals · folk culture · language · identity · community