For Auld Lang Syne by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a group of old friends who reunite on New Year's Eve to reminisce about their past and the changing times. They reflect on how life has moved on and how they have grown apart, yet still cherish the memories of their youth. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the passing of time.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1917 · Genre: Short Story, Realism, Social Commentary · 1,940 words
First lines
These were ten of us there on the wharf when our first mate left for Maoriland, he having been forced to leave Sydney because he could not get anything like regular work, nor anything like wages for the work he could get. He was a carpenter and joiner, a good tradesman and a rough diamond. He had got married and had made a hard fight for it during the last two years or so, but the result only petrified his conviction that "a lovely man could get no blessed show in this condemned country," as he expressed it; so he gave it best at last -- "chucked it up," as he said -- left his wife with her people and four pounds ten, until such time as he could send for her -- and left himself with his box of tools, a pair of hands that could use them, a steerage ticket, and thirty shillings.
What this Textopian page supports
For Auld Lang Syne is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Realism, Social Commentary, Friendship, Adventure
- Length: 1,940 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a specific event and characters, typical of short stories.
- Realism — The story portrays everyday life and struggles of working-class individuals with a focus on authentic experiences.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal issues such as unemployment and economic hardship, providing insight into the social conditions of the time.
- Friendship — The theme of camaraderie and the bonds between mates is central to the story, highlighting the importance of friendship.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Classic Fiction · Poetry · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Coming of Age · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Realism · Regionalism · Historical Fiction