Eurunderee by Henry Lawson (1894)
The story revolves around a young Aboriginal woman who lives on the outskirts of a small town. She is ostracized by the local community due to her mixed heritage and is forced to live in isolation. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Eurunderee's life is marked by hardship and loneliness. Despite this, she remains strong-willed and determined to maintain her independence. The story explores themes of racism, prejudice, and the struggles faced by Aboriginal people during this time period. Through Eurunderee's character, the author highlights the injustices and cruelties inflicted upon her people. Ultimately, the narrative builds towards a tragic conclusion that underscores the devastating consequences of societal rejection and marginalization.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Nostalgia · 323 words
First lines
There are scenes in the distance where beauty is not, On the desolate flats where gaunt appletrees rot. Where the brooding old ridge rises up to the breeze From his dark lonely gullies of stringy-bark trees, There are voice-haunted gaps, ever sullen and strange, But Eurunderee lies like a gem in the range.
Still I see in my fancy the dark-green and blue Of the box-covered hills where the five-corners grew; And the rugged old sheoaks that sighed in the bend O'er the lily-decked pools where the dark ridges end, And the scrub-covered spurs running down from the Peak To the deep grassy banks of Eurunderee Creek.
What this Textopian page supports
Eurunderee 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, Pastoral, Nostalgia, Australian Literature, Realism
- Length: 323 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Eurunderee 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
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Similar titles
- Old Stone Chimney by Henry Lawson
- Coming Across by Henry Lawson
- On The Edge Of A Plain by Henry Lawson
- Out Back by Henry Lawson
- After All by Henry Lawson
- Andys Gone With Cattle by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Pastoral — The poem vividly describes rural landscapes and natural beauty, typical of pastoral literature.
- Nostalgia — Themes of reminiscence and longing for the past are central to the poem's narrative.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the country's landscape and history.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · Human Condition · Existential Crisis