Past Carin' by Henry Lawson (1909)
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her rural home after years away, bringing with her a city-bred husband and their children. The community's initial acceptance of the family gradually turns into resentment and hostility towards the outsider, fueled by rumors and misunderstandings.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Realism, Tragedy · 478 words
First lines
Now up and down the siding brown The great black crows are flyin', And down below the spur, I know, Another 'milker's' dyin'; The crops have withered from the ground, The tank's clay bed is glarin', But from my heart no tear nor sound, For I have gone past carin' -- _Past worryin' or carin', Past feelin' aught or carin'; But from my heart no tear nor sound, For I have gone past carin'._
What this Textopian page supports
Past Carin' is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Realism, Tragedy, Australian Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 478 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Past Carin' 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 Past Carin'?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Two Sundowners by Henry Lawson
- The Cambaroora Star by Henry Lawson
- The Cattle Dogs Death by Henry Lawson
- The Shearers Dream by Henry Lawson
- The Rovers by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic depiction of hardship and emotional desolation, focusing on everyday struggles.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss, suffering, and emotional numbness align with the elements of tragedy.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural context are distinctly Australian, reflecting the rural and historical aspects of the region.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Outback Fiction · Rural Life · Poverty · Social Realism · Working Class · Farming Community · Isolation · Loneliness · Hardship · Survival