Knocked Up by Henry Lawson (1907)
The story revolves around a young man who gets a woman pregnant after a one-night stand. He tries to do the right thing and marry her, but she refuses, citing that he's not good enough for her. The young man then sets out on his own, determined to make a better life for himself and the child.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Realism, Australian Literature · 471 words
First lines
I'm lyin' on the barren ground that's baked and cracked with drought, And dunno if my legs or back or heart is most wore out; I've got no spirits left to rise and smooth me achin' brow -- I'm too knocked up to light a fire and bile the billy now.
_Oh it's trampin', trampin', tra-a-mpin', in flies an' dust an' heat, Or it's trampin' trampin' tra-a-a-mpin' through mud and slush 'n sleet; It's tramp an' tramp for tucker -- one everlastin' strife, An' wearin' out yer boots an' heart in the wastin' of yer life._
What this Textopian page supports
Knocked Up is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Realism, Australian Literature, Social Commentary, Naturalism
- Length: 471 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Knocked Up 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 Knocked Up?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Middletons Rouseabout by Henry Lawson
- The Captain Of The Push by Henry Lawson
- The Boss Over The Board by Henry Lawson
- Baldy Thompson by Henry Lawson
- Meeting Old Mates by Henry Lawson
- Saint Peter by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic depiction of the hardships faced by itinerant workers, focusing on everyday life and struggles.
- Australian Literature — The setting and themes reflect the Australian landscape and societal issues, typical of Australian literature.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal conditions and the plight of the working class, offering insight into social issues.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Marriage · Family Life · Relationships · Love · Comedy of Manners · Realism · Regional Fiction