Conroy's Gap
Conroy's Gap is a novel written by Andrew Barton Paterson, published in 1904. The story follows the life of a young man named Jack Conroy, who grows up in the Australian outback and faces various challenges, including the loss of his mother and the struggle to find his place in the world. Throughout the novel, Paterson explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition, as Jack navigates his way through life's obstacles. The book is known for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1904 · Genre: Short Story, Fiction, Adventure · 1,672 words
First lines
This was the way of it, don't you know -- Ryan was 'wanted' for stealing sheep, And never a trooper, high or low, Could find him -- catch a weasel asleep! Till Trooper Scott, from the Stockman's Ford -- A bushman, too, as I've heard them tell -- Chanced to find him drunk as a lord Round at the Shadow of Death Hotel.
D'you know the place? It's a wayside inn, A low grog-shanty -- a bushman trap, Hiding away in its shame and sin Under the shelter of Conroy's Gap -- Under the shade of that frowning range, The roughest crowd that ever drew breath -- Thieves and rowdies, uncouth and strange, Were mustered round at the Shadow of Death.
What this Textopian page supports
Conroy's Gap is listed on Textopian as a short story by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Fiction, Adventure, Historical
- Length: 1,672 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Conroy's Gap by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Corner Man by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Johnny Boer by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Last Parade by Andrew Barton Paterson
- In Old Madras by B. M. Croker
- The Piute by Ambrose Bierce
- The Dog by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Short Story — Conroy's Gap is a short story, part of Andrew Barton Paterson's collection titled 'Three Elephant Power and Other Stories'.
- Fiction — This book is a work of fiction, containing a narrative invented by the author.
- Adventure — The plot of Conroy's Gap centers on adventurous events and happenings in the Australian bush, filled with explorative elements.
- Historical — Though not a classical historical novel, the story is set in a historical context of 19th century Australia, including the colonial society and life in the Australian outback.
Tags
Australian literature · historical fiction · adventure novel · frontier history · settler experience · colonialism · nature writing · outback · wilderness · survival story · male protagonist · coming of age