A Word to Texas Jack by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a man who returns to his hometown after years away and is met with suspicion and hostility by the locals due to his association with outlaws. He tries to redeem himself but ultimately fails, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Cultural Commentary · 1,089 words
First lines
Texas Jack, you are amusin'. By Lord Harry, how I laughed / When I seen yer rig and saddle with its bulwarks fore-and-aft; / Holy smoke! In such a saddle how the dickens can yer fall? / Why, I seen a gal ride bareback with no bridle on at all! / Gosh! so-help-me! strike-me-balmy! if a bit o' scenery / Like ter you in all yer rig-out on the earth I ever see! / How I'd like ter see a bushman use yer fixins, Texas Jack; / On the remnant of a saddle he can ride to hell and back. / Why, I heerd a mother screamin' when her kid went tossin' by / Ridin' bareback on a bucker that had murder in his eye.
What this Textopian page supports
A Word to Texas Jack is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Cultural Commentary, Humor, Adventure
- Length: 1,089 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Word to Texas Jack by Henry Lawson
- 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
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique and mock the cultural differences and perceived arrogance of outsiders.
- Cultural Commentary — The poem reflects on cultural identity and the interaction between Australians and Americans, providing insight into societal attitudes.
- Humor — The language and scenarios described are intended to amuse and entertain the reader.
Tags
Australian literature · Short story collection · Outback fiction · Western Australian setting · Bushranger theme · Law and order · Justice system critique · Social commentary · Satire · Humor · Dark humor · Violence