The Shakedown on the Floor
The story revolves around a group of Australian shearers who are struggling to make ends meet due to the economic downturn and the decline of the wool industry. The main character, a young shearer, becomes embroiled in a dispute with his employer over wages and working conditions. As tensions rise, the shearer's situation worsens, leading him to contemplate drastic action. The narrative explores themes of poverty, exploitation, and the struggles of the working class during this period in Australian history. The story is told through a series of vignettes that provide insight into the lives of the shearers and their families, highlighting the harsh realities they face on a daily basis.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral · 623 words
First lines
Set me back for twenty summers -- For I'm tired of cities now -- Set my feet in red-soil furrows And my hands upon the plough, With the two ‘Black Brothers' trudging On the home stretch through the loam -- While, along the grassy siding, Come the cattle grazing home.
And I finish ploughing early, And I hurry home to tea -- There's my black suit on the stretcher, And a clean white shirt for me; There's a dance at Rocky Rises, And, when all the fun is o'er, For a certain favoured party There's a shake-down on the floor.
What this Textopian page supports
The Shakedown on the Floor 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, Romance, Pastoral, Nostalgia, Tragedy
- Length: 623 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Shakedown on the Floor 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 The Shakedown on the Floor?
- How does this short story 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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- Rejected by Henry Lawson
- But Whats The Use by Henry Lawson
- A Visit Of Condolence by Henry Lawson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic relationship and the emotional connection between the narrator and Mary Carey.
- Pastoral — The setting and imagery focus on rural life and the natural landscape, typical of pastoral literature.
- Nostalgia — The narrative reflects on past experiences and memories, evoking a sense of longing for a bygone era.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Social Realism · Working Class Life · Poverty · Exploitation · Labor Rights · Fiction · Realist Fiction · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Australian Literature · Outback Setting