The Ballad of the Drover
A young drover's life is portrayed, struggling to make a living on the harsh Australian frontier. He faces hardships and loneliness, but also finds moments of beauty and connection with nature. The story explores themes of resilience, isolation, and the human condition in a rugged environment.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Ballad, Tragedy · 506 words
First lines
Across the stony ridges, Across the rolling plain, Young Harry Dale, the drover, Comes riding home again. And well his stock-horse bears him, And light of heart is he, And stoutly his old pack-horse Is trotting by his knee.
Up Queensland way with cattle He travelled regions vast; And many months have vanished Since home-folk saw him last. He hums a song of someone He hopes to marry soon; And hobble-chains and camp-ware Keep jingling to the tune.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the Drover is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad, Tragedy, Adventure, Pastoral
- Length: 506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ballad of the Drover by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ballad of the Drover?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Ballad — The narrative style and tragic theme align with the traditional form of a ballad, telling a story through song-like stanzas.
- Tragedy — The plot centers around the tragic death of the protagonist, evoking themes of loss and sorrow.
- Adventure — The narrative follows the journey of a drover facing natural challenges, embodying elements of adventure.
Tags
Australian literature · Ballad · Bush ballad · Folk tale · Poetic prose · Rural life · Outback · Cattle droving · Sheep herding · Frontier life · Colonial era · Social commentary