The Bridge Across the Crick

Name: The Bridge Across the Crick
Author: C.J. Dennis

The narrative centers on an election in the fictional town of Wombat, where two candidates, Joseph Jones and Peter Dawking, vie for votes. Both men claim to represent the people's interests, yet their approaches differ significantly. Dawking runs as an Independent, while Jones is a staunch party man. The central issue at stake is the construction of a bridge across the local creek, a promise that has been repeatedly made and broken by politicians over the years. During the campaign, Dawking focuses on broader national issues, but his message is met with skepticism from the local electorate, who prioritize the immediate need for the bridge. A local elder confronts him directly about his stance on the bridge, highlighting the disconnect between Dawking's lofty rhetoric and the community's pressing concerns. In contrast, Jones capitalizes on the local sentiment, passionately promising the bridge if elected, which resonates with the voters. As the election unfolds, both candidates end up with an equal number of votes, creating a tense atmosphere. Ultimately, Jones emerges victorious, securing a narrow majority for his party in the larger political landscape. This victory is portrayed as a pivotal moment, influencing the direction of the nation while simultaneously sidelining local needs. The aftermath reveals Dawking's disillusionment with the electorate's priorities, as Jones continues to offer empty promises about the bridge, maintaining the illusion of progress without delivering tangible results. The work critiques the political system, illustrating how local issues can be overshadowed by broader political ambitions, ultimately leaving communities like Wombat in a state of unfulfilled hope.

By C.J. Dennis · First published 1930 · Genre: Political Satire, Humor, Narrative Poetry · 685 words

First lines

Joseph Jones and Peter Dawking Strove in an election fight; And you'd think, to hear them talking, Each upheld the people's right. Each declared he stood for Progress and against his country's foes When he sought their votes at Wombat, where the Muddy River flows.

Peter Dawking, scorning party, As an Independent ran; Joseph Jones, loud, blatant, hearty, Was a solid party man. But the electors up at Wombat vowed to him alone they'd stick Who would give his sacred promise for the "bridge across the crick".

What this Textopian page supports

The Bridge Across the Crick is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: C.J. Dennis
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Satire, Humor, Narrative Poetry, Social Commentary, Regional Literature
Length: 685 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Bridge Across the Crick 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 The Bridge Across the Crick?
How does this short story by C.J. Dennis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Political Satire — The poem critiques political candidates and their empty promises, highlighting the absurdity of local politics.
Humor — The writing style employs wit and irony, making light of serious political themes through comedic elements.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with characters and a plot, characteristic of narrative poetry.
Social Commentary — It reflects on societal issues, particularly the disconnect between politicians and the electorate.