When the 'Army' Prays for Watty
The story revolves around a young boy named Watty who is struggling to come to terms with his father's death in the war. The community comes together to pray for Watty's well-being and to help him cope with his loss. The narrative explores themes of grief, trauma, and the impact of war on families and communities. It highlights the importance of collective support and prayer in times of crisis. Through Watty's story, the narrative conveys a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary · 322 words
First lines
When the kindly hours of darkness, save for light of moon and star, Hide the picture on the signboard over Doughty's Horse Bazaar; When the last rose-tint is fading on the distant mulga scrub, Then the Army prays for Watty at the entrance of his pub.
Now, I often sit at Watty's when the night is very near, With a head that's full of jingles and the fumes of bottled beer, For I always have a fancy that, if I am over there When the Army prays for Watty, I'm included in the prayer.
What this Textopian page supports
When the 'Army' Prays for Watty is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary, Realism
- Length: 322 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When the 'Army' Prays for Watty 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 When the 'Army' Prays for Watty?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative contains a humorous tone, particularly in its depiction of the characters and their interactions with the Salvation Army.
- Social Commentary — The text provides insight into societal attitudes towards religion and drinking, reflecting on the moral and social dynamics of the time.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life and ordinary characters in a pub setting aligns with the principles of literary realism.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Outback · Working Class · Labor Movement · Class Struggle · Poverty · Exploitation