Coming Across by Henry Lawson (1905)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away, seeking refuge from the harsh realities of city life. He finds himself struggling to adapt to the simpler ways of his childhood and grappling with the changing values of his community. As he navigates this new reality, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the societal norms that have taken hold in his absence. His experiences serve as a commentary on the tensions between tradition and progress, highlighting the difficulties faced by those who seek to reconcile their past and present selves. Through the protagonist's journey, the narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of belonging and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1905 · Genre: Realism, Adventure, Social Commentary · 5,528 words
First lines
We were delayed for an hour or so inside Sydney Heads, taking passengers from the _Oroya_, which had just arrived from England and anchored off Watson's Bay. An Adelaide boat went alongside the ocean liner, while we dropped anchor at a respectable distance. This puzzled some of us until one of the passengers stopped an ancient mariner and inquired. The sailor jerked his thumb upwards, and left. The passengers stared aloft till some of them got the lockjaw in the back of their necks, and then another sailor suggested that we had yards to our masts, while the Adelaide boat had not.
What this Textopian page supports
Coming Across is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Adventure, Social Commentary, Humor, Historical Fiction
- Length: 5,528 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Coming Across 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 Coming Across?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on everyday life and ordinary people, capturing the social conditions and experiences of the time with detailed observation.
- Adventure — The story involves a sea voyage and the experiences of passengers, highlighting the uncertainties and challenges of travel.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal issues such as economic hardship, class distinctions, and the struggles of emigrants.
- Humor — The narrative includes humorous anecdotes and character interactions, often highlighting the absurdities of life.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Rural Australia · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · Human Condition · Existential Crisis