Bold Jack Donahoo by Andrew Barton Paterson
The narrative follows a character raised in Dublin who is transported to New South Wales as a convict due to a debt. He quickly turns to a life of crime, forming a gang with fellow convicts. The protagonist, known for his audacity, becomes infamous for his daring exploits, evading capture and instilling fear in the local populace. After being sentenced to death for his crimes, he manages to escape from prison, further enhancing his legendary status. His escapades are chronicled in the press, and he becomes a symbol of rebellion against authority. One fateful day, while evading capture, he encounters a sergeant from the horse police. Rather than surrender, he chooses to fight, expressing his disdain for the government and his preference for freedom over servitude. The confrontation escalates into a violent struggle, during which he fights valiantly but ultimately succumbs to a gunshot wound. In his final moments, he reflects on his life and urges other convicts to remember him, solidifying his legacy as a bold and defiant figure in the face of oppression. The work captures themes of rebellion, freedom, and the harsh realities of convict life in Australia, portraying the protagonist as a tragic hero who chooses defiance over submission.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1901 · Genre: Ballad, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 590 words
First lines
In Dublin town I was brought up, in that city of great fame -- / My decent friends and parents, they will tell to you the same. / It was for the sake of five hundred pounds I was sent across / the main, / For seven long years, in New South Wales, to wear a convict's / chain.
Chorus / Then come, my hearties, we'll roam the mountains high! / Together we will plunder, together we will die! / We'll wander over mountains and we'll gallop over / plains -- / For we scorn to live in slavery, bound down in iron / chains.
What this Textopian page supports
Bold Jack Donahoo is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Ballad, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Poetry, Folklore
- Length: 590 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bold Jack Donahoo by Andrew Barton Paterson
- 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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Genres
- Ballad — The poem is structured as a narrative ballad, telling the story of Jack Donahoo's life and exploits.
- Historical Fiction — The work is set in a historical context, reflecting the life of convicts in Australia.
- Adventure — The themes of escape, rebellion, and adventure are central to the plot.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and a lyrical style.
Tags
Australian folklore · convict life · outlaw · rebellion · heroism · adventure · crime · escape · bushranger · 19th century · poetry · courage