A Derry on a Cove by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his childhood home after years away and finds himself struggling with the harsh realities of rural life. He reflects on his past experiences and relationships, particularly those with women, and grapples with feelings of disillusionment and regret. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human connection in a small town setting.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor · 295 words
First lines
'Twas in the felon's dock he stood, his eyes were black and blue; His voice with grief was broken, and his nose was broken, too; He muttered, as that broken nose he wiped upon his cap -- ‘It's orful when the p'leece has got a derry on a chap.
‘I am a honest workin' cove, as any bloke can see, It's just because the p'leece has got a derry, sir, on me; Oh, yes, the legal gents can grin, I say it ain't no joke -- It's cruel when the p'leece has got a derry on a bloke.'
What this Textopian page supports
A Derry on a Cove is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor, Drama
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Derry on a Cove by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Derry on a Cove?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues such as justice and the treatment of individuals by law enforcement.
- Humor — The tone and language include elements of irony and wit, providing a humorous perspective on a serious situation.
- Drama — The narrative involves conflict and emotional expression, typical of dramatic works.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Regional Fiction · Rural Setting · Social Realism · Poverty · Class Struggle · Working Class Life · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Isolation · Loneliness