When the Sun Went Down
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and finds himself struggling with the harsh realities of country life. He is disillusioned by the poverty, isolation, and lack of opportunities that have become even more pronounced since he left. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, nostalgia, and the clash between traditional values and modernity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1906 · Genre: Drama, Adventure, Tragedy · 1,167 words
First lines
Jack Drew sat on the edge of the shaft, with his foot in the loop and one hand on the rope, ready to descend. His elder brother, Tom, stood at one end of the windlass and the third mate at the other. Jack paused before swinging off, looked up at his brother, and impulsively held out his hand:
"You ain't going to let the sun go down, are you, Tom?"
What this Textopian page supports
When the Sun Went Down is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Adventure, Tragedy, Realism
- Length: 1,167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When the Sun Went Down 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 When the Sun Went Down?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Song And The Sigh by Henry Lawson
- The Paroo by Henry Lawson
- Mount Bukaroo by Henry Lawson
- Bogg Of Geebung by Henry Lawson
- The Outside Track by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Drama — The story centers on intense emotional conflicts and relationships, particularly between the two brothers, highlighting themes of reconciliation and sacrifice.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a life-threatening situation in a mining setting, with elements of danger and urgency as the characters work to rescue Jack.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the death of Tom, adding a tragic dimension to the narrative as it explores themes of loss and regret.
- Realism — The writing style and setting reflect realistic depictions of life and work in a mining community, focusing on everyday struggles and emotions.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Outback Fiction · Rural Life · Poverty · Social Commentary · Realism · Regionalism · Working Class · Labor Movement · Folklore · Mythology