Steelman by Henry Lawson (1907)
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who returns to his rural home after serving in the military during World War I. He struggles with the harsh realities of country life and the decline of traditional values, leading him to question his own identity and purpose. The story explores themes of disillusionment, social change, and the clash between old and new Australia. The protagonist's experiences serve as a microcosm for the broader societal shifts occurring in the post-war era. Through its portrayal of rural life, the novel critiques the romanticized notion of the Australian bush and highlights the difficulties faced by those living on the land.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Drama · 1,293 words
First lines
Steelman was a hard case. If you were married, and settled down, and were so unfortunate as to have known Steelman in other days, he would, if in your neighbourhood and dead-beat, be sure to look you up. He would find you anywhere, no matter what precautions you might take. If he came to your house, he would stay to tea without invitation, and if he stayed to tea, he would ask you to "fix up a shake-down on the floor, old man," and put him up for the night; and, if he stopped all night, he'd remain -- well, until something better turned up.
What this Textopian page supports
Steelman 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: Humor, Social Commentary, Drama, Realism
- Length: 1,293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Steelman 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 Steelman?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Oversight Of Steelmans by Henry Lawson
- Joness Alley by Henry Lawson
- A Day On A Selection by Henry Lawson
- Forard by Henry Lawson
- Steelmans Pupil by Henry Lawson
- Hed Come Back by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements through the character of Steelman, whose antics and manipulative behavior create humorous situations.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social norms and relationships, particularly focusing on hospitality, friendship, and the challenges of dealing with unwelcome guests.
- Drama — The interactions between Steelman and Brown, along with the tension in Brown's household, provide dramatic elements that drive the narrative.
- Realism — The writing style and depiction of everyday life and characters are grounded in realistic portrayals of social dynamics and personal interactions.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Poverty · Struggle · Survival · Human Condition · Moral Ambiguity · Ethical Dilemmas · Rural Australia