The Way of the World by Henry Lawson
This novel explores themes of identity, morality, and social class through the story of a young man's journey to self-discovery. The protagonist navigates a complex web of relationships with those from different backgrounds, forcing him to confront his own values and sense of purpose. Along the way, he grapples with the tension between tradition and modernity, ultimately emerging with a newfound understanding of himself and his place in society.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Reflective · 233 words
First lines
When fairer faces turn from me, And gayer friends grow cold, And I have lost through poverty The friendship bought, with gold; When I have served the selfish turn Of some all-worldly few, And Folly's lamps have ceased to burn, Then I'll come back to you.
When my admirers find I'm not The rising star they thought, And praise or blame is all forgot My early promise brought; When brighter rivals lead a host Where once I led a few, And kinder times reward their boast, Then I'll come back to you.
What this Textopian page supports
The Way of the World is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Reflective, Melancholic
- Length: 233 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Way of the World 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 Way of the World?
- 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 rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — Themes of love, forgiveness, and emotional connection are central to the text.
- Reflective — The narrative reflects on personal experiences, relationships, and introspection.
- Melancholic — The tone conveys a sense of loss, regret, and longing.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Poverty · Outback Life · Rural Australia · Working Class · Labor Movement · Feminism · Marriage