The God-Forgotten Election
The story revolves around a small town's election where the local baker runs against the incumbent mayor. The baker's campaign focuses on improving the town's infrastructure and services, while the mayor emphasizes his experience and ability to maintain order. As the election approaches, tensions rise between the two candidates' supporters. The baker's campaign gains momentum due to his charismatic personality and promises of change, but the mayor's loyalists are determined to retain their power. The narrative explores themes of community politics, corruption, and the struggle for power in a small town.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1905 · Genre: Political Satire, Humor, Australian Literature · 1,039 words
First lines
Pat M‘Durmer brought the tidings to the town of God-Forgotten: ‘There are lively days before ye -- commin Parlymint's dissolved! ' And the boys were all excited, for the State, of course, was ‘rotten,' And, in subsequent elections, God-Forgotten was involved. There was little there to live for save in drinking beer and eating; But we rose on this occasion ere the news appeared in print, For the boys of God-Forgotten, at a wild, uproarious meeting, Nominated Billy Blazes for the commin Parlymint.
What this Textopian page supports
The God-Forgotten Election is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Humor, Australian Literature, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,039 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The God-Forgotten Election 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 God-Forgotten Election?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Political Satire — The narrative focuses on a humorous and critical portrayal of political processes and elections, highlighting the absurdities and corruption involved.
- Humor — The story employs comedic elements and exaggeration to entertain and convey its message, particularly through the depiction of characters and events.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the social and political climate of the time.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and political practices, offering insights into the issues faced by rural communities.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Social Realism · Poverty · Outback Life · Working Class · Labor Movement · Politics · Society · Class Struggle · Economic Hardship · Rural Australia