Out Back by Henry Lawson (1902)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away, seeking refuge from the city and its troubles. He finds solace in the familiar landscape and reconnects with old friends and family members. However, he also struggles with feelings of guilt and regret over past mistakes and lost opportunities. As he settles back into country life, he begins to re-evaluate his priorities and values, and starts to see the world from a different perspective. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the city's influence on rural communities and the erosion of traditional ways of life. Through his experiences, the protagonist grapples with themes of identity, belonging, and the tension between progress and tradition. Ultimately, he must come to terms with his place in the world and make a choice between returning to the city or staying in the country.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Realism · 663 words
First lines
The old year went, and the new returned, in the withering weeks of drought, The cheque was spent that the shearer earned, and the sheds were all cut out; The publican's words were short and few, and the publican's looks were black -- And the time had come, as the shearer knew, to carry his swag Out Back.
For time means tucker, and tramp you must, where the scrubs and plains are wide, With seldom a track that a man can trust, or a mountain peak to guide; All day long in the dust and heat -- when summer is on the track -- With stinted stomachs and blistered feet, they carry their swags Out Back.
What this Textopian page supports
Out Back is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Realism, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 663 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Out Back 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its narrative and themes.
- Australian Literature — The setting, themes, and cultural references are distinctly Australian, focusing on the outback and the life of swagmen.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of the harsh conditions and struggles faced by itinerant workers in the Australian outback.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques social issues such as poverty, isolation, and the harsh realities of life for the working class.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Stories · Realism · Regional Fiction · Rural Life · Poverty · Social Commentary · Working Class · Outback · Desert Landscape · Isolation · Loneliness