The Homestead by Ida Lee (1869)
The novel revolves around a family's struggles to maintain their homestead during the Great Depression. The story centers on the mother's determination to keep her children safe and fed despite the economic hardships. As the family faces numerous challenges, they must rely on each other for support and resilience. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of poverty, community, and the importance of home.
By Ida Lee · First published 1869 · Genre: Pastoral, Poetry, Historical · 2,452 words
First lines
There stands the homestead; white amid the trees So lowly set, where stirs a faint warm breeze.
Across the sward the thronging cattle pass, Their colours blurred, as, in one moving mass, Loosed from the yard, the panting creatures seek Their restful pastures by the flowing creek.
What this Textopian page supports
The Homestead is listed on Textopian as a novella by Ida Lee, dated 1869 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Ida Lee
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Pastoral, Poetry, Historical, Patriotic, Nature
- Length: 2,452 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Homestead by Ida Lee
- 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 The Homestead?
- How does this novella by Ida Lee fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Pastoral first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Pastoral — The text vividly describes rural landscapes, nature, and the homestead, emphasizing the beauty and tranquility of the countryside.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme, meter, and poetic devices to convey its themes and imagery.
- Historical — References to the past, colonial history, and the relationship between Australia and Britain suggest a historical context.
- Patriotic — Themes of national pride and loyalty to Britain are prominent, reflecting a patriotic sentiment.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Domestic Drama · Family Saga · Rural Setting · Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Marriage and Relationships · Mother-Daughter Conflict · Female Empowerment · Self-Discovery · Isolation and Loneliness · Nostalgia