Ben Duggan by Henry Lawson (1901)
The novel revolves around the life of Ben Duggan, a young Irishman who immigrates to Australia and becomes embroiled in the country's gold rush era. The story explores themes of identity, community, and the struggles faced by immigrants in a new land. Through Ben's experiences, the novel delves into the complexities of Australian society during this period, highlighting issues such as racism, classism, and the clash between traditional values and modernity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Bush Ballad, Tragedy · 597 words
First lines
Jack Denver died on Talbragar when Christmas Eve began, And there was sorrow round the place, for Denver was a man; Jack Denver's wife bowed down her head -- her daughter's grief was wild, And big Ben Duggan by the bed stood sobbing like a child. But big Ben Duggan saddled up, and galloped fast and far, To raise the longest funeral ever seen on Talbragar.
_By station home And shearing shed Ben Duggan cried, 'Jack Denver's dead! Roll up at Talbragar! '_
What this Textopian page supports
Ben Duggan is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, 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: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Bush Ballad, Tragedy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
- Length: 597 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ben Duggan by Henry Lawson
- 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 Ben Duggan?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Bush Ballad — The narrative focuses on themes and settings typical of Australian bush life, with a strong emphasis on community and landscape.
- Tragedy — The plot centers around the death of a beloved character and the subsequent tragic events, evoking a sense of loss and sorrow.
- Adventure — The story involves a journey through the bush, with elements of urgency and physical challenge as Ben Duggan rides to spread the news.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Outback Fiction · Rural Life · Social Realism · Poverty · Hardship · Survival · Human Condition · Moral Ambiguity · Gritty Realism · Regional Australia