Old Stone Chimney by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and becomes embroiled in a conflict between the old and new ways of life. He struggles with his own identity and sense of belonging, caught between the traditional values of his family and community and the changing world outside.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Pastoral · 1,010 words
First lines
The rising moon on the peaks was blending Her silver light with the sunset glow, When a swagman came as the day was ending Along a path that he seemed to know. But all the fences were gone or going -- The hand of ruin was everywhere; The creek unchecked in its course was flowing, For none of the old clay dam was there.
Here Time had been with his swiftest changes, And husbandry had westward flown; The cattle tracks in the rugged ranges Were long ago with the scrub o'ergrown. It must have needed long years to soften The road, that as hard as rock had been; The mountain path he had trod so often Lay hidden now with a carpet green.
What this Textopian page supports
Old Stone Chimney is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Pastoral, Nostalgia, Tragedy
- Length: 1,010 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Stone Chimney by Henry Lawson
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The setting and themes reflect the Australian landscape and cultural context, typical of Australian literature.
- Pastoral — The narrative focuses on rural life and the natural environment, exploring themes of decay and change in the countryside.
- Nostalgia — The protagonist's reflections on the past and the changes over time evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · Human Condition · Existential Crisis