The Freehold on the Plain
The narrative centers on a once-prosperous squatter who reflects on his decline from wealth to poverty. Initially, he enjoyed success in the pastoral industry, living a comfortable life with a mansion and a loving wife. However, a series of unfortunate events, including bad seasons and poor financial decisions, lead to his downfall. He faces the harsh realities of losing his cattle, mortgaging his property, and ultimately losing his freehold on the land he cherished. The protagonist laments the deterioration of his property, with broken stockyards and a collapsing woolshed, symbolizing his lost fortune and dreams. Despite his efforts to communicate with mortgagees, he finds himself in a hopeless situation, unable to salvage his investments. The emotional weight of his loss is compounded by the necessity to leave his wife behind as he takes on the arduous life of a drover, driving cattle through challenging conditions. The recurring chorus emphasizes the devastation of losing his freehold, serving as a poignant reminder of his past happiness and the stark contrast to his current struggles. The work encapsulates themes of loss, nostalgia, and the harsh realities of rural life, illustrating the fragility of success and the impact of economic hardship on personal relationships and aspirations.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Narrative, Australian Literature · 322 words
First lines
(Air: "The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane. ")
I'm a broken-down old squatter, my cash it is all gone, Of troubles and bad seasons I complain; My cattle are all mortgaged, of horses I have none, And I've lost that little freehold on the plain.
What this Textopian page supports
The Freehold on the Plain is listed on Textopian as a short story by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Narrative, Australian Literature, Ballad, Social Commentary
- Length: 322 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Freehold on the Plain by Andrew Barton Paterson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Broken Down Squatter by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Sheep Washers Lament by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Old Bark Hut by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Bringing Home The Cows by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Bound For The Lord Knows Where by Henry Lawson
- The Empty Glass by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with rhythmic verses and a chorus, typical of lyrical poetry.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of loss and hardship, following the life of a squatter.
- Australian Literature — The themes and setting reflect the Australian experience, particularly in rural contexts.
- Ballad — The poem's storytelling style and repetitive chorus align with the characteristics of a ballad.
Tags
Australian literature · poetry · Andrew Barton Paterson · squatter · cattle · mortgage · loss · rural life · hardship · nostalgia · freehold · land ownership