The March by C.J. Dennis (1918)
The work explores the theme of progress and its implications through a satirical lens, tracing the evolution of human society from prehistoric times to the present. It begins with a primitive human who challenges the established order of the land, inhabited by mythical creatures like the bunyip and the kangaroo. This figure, representing early reformist ideas, uses physical force to assert his vision of progress, which is met with resistance from the indigenous creatures who claim ownership of the land. As time passes, the narrative shifts to the arrival of European settlers who view the land as underutilized and in need of "civilization." They impose their values, bringing religion, alcohol, and weaponry, while dismissing the existing ways of life as outdated. The indigenous man expresses indignation at this intrusion, highlighting the irony of being labeled a "Socialist" for wanting to maintain his way of life. The cyclical nature of history is emphasized, illustrating how those who advocate for progress can become oppressors themselves. The work critiques the notion of progress as a linear and universally beneficial concept, suggesting that it often leads to the displacement and marginalization of those who originally inhabit the land. The final reflections draw parallels between past and present, indicating that the same patterns of conquest and justification persist, with each new wave of "progress" repeating the mistakes of its predecessors. The work serves as a commentary on the complexities of societal advancement and the often overlooked consequences for those deemed "out of date."
By C.J. Dennis · First published 1918 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Historical Fiction · 974 words
First lines
In early, prehistoric days, before the reign of Man, When neolithic Nature fashioned things upon a plan That was large as it was rugged, and, in truth, a trifle crude, There arose a dusky human who was positively rude.
Now, this was in the days when lived the monster kangaroo; When the mammoth bunyip gambolled in the hills of Beetaloo; They'd owned the land for centuries, and reckoned it their own; For might was right, and such a thing as "law" was quite unknown.
What this Textopian page supports
The March is listed on Textopian as a short story by C.J. Dennis, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Allegory
- Length: 974 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The March by C.J. Dennis
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The March?
- How does this short story by C.J. Dennis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Satire — The poem critiques societal progress and colonialism through humor and irony.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical Fiction — It reflects on prehistoric and colonial themes, exploring the impact of civilization on indigenous cultures.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses social issues such as land ownership and the consequences of progress.
Tags
poetry · Australian literature · humor · satire · nature · war · identity · community · rural life · social commentary · historical context · cultural reflection