Up the Country by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years of city life. He struggles to adapt to the harsh realities and simplicity of country living, while also confronting his own identity and sense of belonging. The narrative explores themes of cultural disconnection, nostalgia, and the complexities of Australian identity during the late 19th century.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Travel, Satire · 687 words
First lines
I am back from up the country -- very sorry that I went -- Seeking for the Southern poets' land whereon to pitch my tent; I have lost a lot of idols, which were broken on the track, Burnt a lot of fancy verses, and I'm glad that I am back. Further out may be the pleasant scenes of which our poets boast, But I think the country's rather more inviting round the coast. Anyway, I'll stay at present at a boarding-house in town, Drinking beer and lemon-squashes, taking baths and cooling down.
What this Textopian page supports
Up the Country is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Travel, Satire, Realism, Social Commentary
- Length: 687 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Up the Country 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Travel — The narrative describes a journey through the Australian countryside, reflecting on the landscape and experiences.
- Satire — The poem critiques romanticized notions of the Australian bush, using irony and humor.
- Realism — The depiction of the harsh and unforgiving landscape is grounded in realistic detail.
Tags
Australian Literature · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Humor · Literary Nonfiction · Memoir · Nostalgia · Regionalism · Satire · Social Commentary · Travel Writing