The Professional Wanderer
The story revolves around a young man who leaves his rural home to seek his fortune in the city. He faces numerous challenges and hardships, including poverty, loneliness, and disillusionment with the urban lifestyle. As he navigates the city streets, he encounters various characters, including a group of itinerant workers who share their stories and experiences with him. Through these interactions, the young man gains insight into the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. Despite his initial optimism, the young man becomes increasingly disillusioned with the city's promise of wealth and success. He begins to question the values and morals that drove him to leave his rural home in the first place. The story ultimately presents a bleak portrayal of urban life, highlighting the struggles and hardships faced by those who are forced to live on the fringes of society.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Travel · 395 words
First lines
When you've knocked about the country -- been away from home for years; When the past, by distance softened, nearly fills your eyes with tears -- You are haunted oft, wherever or however you may roam, By a fancy that you ought to go and see the folks at home. You forget the family quarrels -- little things that used to jar -- And you think of how they'll worry -- how they wonder where you are; You will think you served them badly, and your own part you'll condemn, And it strikes you that you'll surely be a novelty to them, For your voice has somewhat altered, and your face has somewhat changed -- And your views of men and matters over wider fields have ranged. Then it's time to save your money, or to watch it (how it goes! ); Then it's time to get a ‘Gladstone' and a decent suit of clothes; Then it's time to practise daily with a hair-brush and a comb, Till you drop in unexpected on the folks and friends at home.
What this Textopian page supports
The Professional Wanderer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Travel, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 395 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Professional Wanderer 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 Professional Wanderer?
- 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Fiction — The narrative presents a fictional account of a wanderer's experiences and reflections.
- Travel — The themes revolve around travel and the experiences of being away from home.
- Drama — The emotional and relational conflicts depicted align with dramatic elements.
Tags
Australian Literature · Travelogue · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Social Commentary · Realism · Humor · Satire · Adventure · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Class Conflict