The Jolly Dead March by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a group of Australian soldiers who are struggling to come to terms with the harsh realities of war. The narrative explores their emotional and psychological states as they face the brutal conditions of trench warfare. The protagonist, a young soldier, grapples with the moral implications of killing and the dehumanizing effects of war on his fellow soldiers. He is haunted by the memories of comrades who have been killed or maimed in battle. Through the character's inner turmoil, the story highlights the psychological toll of war on individuals and the breakdown of social norms. The narrative also touches on themes of masculinity, loyalty, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The tone is somber and reflective, with a focus on the human cost of conflict.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 877 words
First lines
If I ever be worthy or famous -- / Which I'm sadly beginning to doubt -- / When the angel whose place 'tis to name us / Shall say to my spirit, ‘Pass out! ' / I wish for no sniv'lling about me / (My work was the work of the land), / But I hope that my country will shout me / The price of a decent brass band.
Thump! thump! of the drum and ‘Ta-ra-rit,' / Thump! thump! and the music -- it's grand, / If only in dreams, or in spirit, / To ride or march after the band! / And myself and my mourners go straying, / And strolling and drifting along / With a band in the front of us playing / The tune of an old battle song!
What this Textopian page supports
The Jolly Dead March 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: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Elegy, Cultural Critique
- Length: 877 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Jolly Dead March by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and the concept of fame.
- Social Commentary — The themes reflect on societal values, the working class, and national identity.
- Elegy — The poem contemplates death and the speaker's own funeral, typical of an elegy.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Regional Fiction · Outback Setting · Working Class Life · Poverty · Exploitation · Class Struggle