Instinct Gone Wrong by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and becomes embroiled in a conflict with the local community over land rights. His actions are driven by a misguided sense of justice, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences. The narrative explores themes of isolation, revenge, and the destructive nature of unchecked emotions.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1905 · Genre: Humor, Short Story, Realism · 801 words
First lines
Old Mac used to sleep in his wagon in fine weather, when he had no load, on his blankets spread out on the feed-bags; but one time he struck Croydon, flush from a lucky and good back trip, and looked in at the (say) Royal Hotel to wet his luck -- as some men do with their sorrow -- and he "got there all right. " Next morning he had breakfast in the dining-room, was waited on as a star boarder, and became thoroughly demoralized; and his mind was made up (independent of himself, as it were) to be a gentleman for once in his life. He went over to the store and bought the sloppiest suit of reach-me-downs of glossiest black, and the stiffest and stickiest white shirt they had to show -- also four bone studs, two for the collar and two for the cuffs. Then he gave his worn "larstins" to the stable-boy (with half a crown) to clean, and -- proceeded. He put the boots on during the day, one at a time between drinks, gassing all the time, and continued.
What this Textopian page supports
Instinct Gone Wrong is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Short Story, Realism, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 801 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Instinct Gone Wrong 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 Instinct Gone Wrong?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Two Dogs And A Fence by Henry Lawson
- The Hypnotized Township by Henry Lawson
- Panic Fears by Anton Chekhov
- A Case For The Oracle by Henry Lawson
- The Penguins Rock by Guy De Maupassant
- Country Courts by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements and irony, particularly in the protagonist's misadventures and the consequences of his actions.
- Short Story — The work is concise, focusing on a single incident in the protagonist's life, characteristic of short story structure.
- Realism — The story portrays realistic characters and situations, reflecting everyday life and human nature.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey and unexpected fall provide elements of adventure and physical action.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Crime Fiction · Social Commentary · Realism · Literary Fiction · Dark Humor · Satire · Critique of Society · Human Nature