His Colonial Oath by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after serving in the British Army during World War I. He struggles with the harsh realities of life back on the land and the decline of traditional values. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, identity crisis, and the clash between old and new Australia.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1908 · Genre: Short Story, Realism, Colonial Literature · 519 words
First lines
I lately met an old schoolmate of mine up-country. He was much changed. He was tall and lank, and had the most hideous bristly red beard I ever saw. He was working on his father's farm. He shook hands, looked anywhere but in my face -- and said nothing. Presently I remarked at a venture "So poor old Mr B., the schoolmaster, is dead."
"My oath! " he replied.
What this Textopian page supports
His Colonial Oath is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Realism, Colonial Literature, Humor, Dialogue-Driven
- Length: 519 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Colonial Oath by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering His Colonial Oath?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- An Echo From The Old Bark School by Henry Lawson
- Mitchell A Character Sketch by Henry Lawson
- How Steelman Told His Story by Henry Lawson
- An Old Mate Of Your Fathers by Henry Lawson
- Black Joe by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Short Story — The narrative is concise and focuses on a brief encounter between two characters, typical of short story structure.
- Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of rural life and the changes in people over time, with authentic dialogue and setting.
- Colonial Literature — The setting and cultural context reflect colonial Australia, with themes related to identity and societal change.
- Humor — The repeated use of 'My oath!' and the awkwardness of the conversation add a humorous element to the story.
Tags
Australian Literature · Colonialism · Coming-of-Age · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Male Protagonist · National Identity · Outback · Regional Australia · Social Commentary · Themes of Loyalty