Cherry-Tree Inn by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a group of travelers who stop at an inn run by a widow and her daughter. The atmosphere is tense due to the presence of a stranger who has been causing trouble in the area. As the night wears on, the tension builds and eventually leads to violence.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Nostalgia · 375 words
First lines
The rafters are open to sun, moon, and star, Thistles and nettles grow high in the bar -- The chimneys are crumbling, the log fires are dead, And green mosses spring from the hearthstone instead. The voices are silent, the bustle and din, For the railroad hath ruined the Cherry-tree Inn.
Save the glimmer of stars, or the moon's pallid streams, And the sounds of the 'possums that camp on the beams, The bar-room is dark and the stable is still, For the coach comes no more over Cherry-tree Hill. No riders push on through the darkness to win The rest and the comfort of Cherry-tree Inn.
What this Textopian page supports
Cherry-Tree Inn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Nostalgia, Australian Literature, Pastoral
- Length: 375 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cherry-Tree Inn by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Cherry-Tree Inn?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative reflects on past events and settings, such as the gold rush era, providing a historical context.
- Nostalgia — Themes of reminiscence and longing for the past are prevalent throughout the text.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the country's history and landscape.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Outback · Bushmen · Sheep Station · Working Class · Class Struggle · Marriage