The Vagabond by Henry Lawson (1902)
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, illness, and loneliness. Despite these difficulties, he remains determined to succeed and eventually finds work as a laborer. As he navigates the city, he encounters various characters, including a group of vagabonds who take him under their wing. Through his experiences with this group, he learns valuable lessons about survival, loyalty, and the importance of human connection. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist grapples with the tension between his desire for independence and his need for community. He struggles to reconcile his individualistic aspirations with the harsh realities of urban life. Ultimately, the story presents a nuanced portrayal of the human condition, highlighting both the resilience and vulnerability of its protagonist as he navigates the complexities of city life.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Romanticism · 872 words
First lines
White handkerchiefs wave from the short black pier As we glide to the grand old sea -- But the song of my heart is for none to hear If one of them waves for me. A roving, roaming life is mine, Ever by field or flood -- For not far back in my father's line Was a dash of the Gipsy blood.
Flax and tussock and fern, Gum and mulga and sand, Reef and palm -- but my fancies turn Ever away from land; Strange wild cities in ancient state, Range and river and tree, Snow and ice. But my star of fate Is ever across the sea.
What this Textopian page supports
The Vagabond 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, Adventure, Romanticism, Philosophical, Realism
- Length: 872 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Vagabond by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Vagabond?
- 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, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Adventure — The themes of travel, exploration, and the sea suggest a focus on adventure and the unknown.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism aligns with Romantic literary themes.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes and questions about life, freedom, and societal norms.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Social Commentary · Poverty · Homelessness · Outback Life · Working Class · Rural Australia · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Australian Literature