On the Tucker Track: a Steelman Story
The story revolves around Jack Tucker, a young man who returns to his rural Australian home after serving in the Boer War. He struggles to adjust to life on the land and finds himself at odds with the harsh realities of farming. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, identity crisis, and the clash between traditional values and modernity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1905 · Genre: Adventure, Humor, Drama · 1,455 words
First lines
Steelman and Smith, professional wanderers from New Zealand, took a run over to Australia one year to have a look at the country, and drifted out back, and played cards and "headin' 'em" at the shearing-sheds (while pretending to be strangers to each other), and sold eye-water and unpatented medicine, and worked the tucker tracks. They struck a streak of bad luck at West-o'-Sunday Station, where they were advised (by the boss and about fifty excited shearers) to go east, and not to stop till they reached the coast. They were tramping along the track towards Bourke; they were very hard up and had to "battle" for tucker and tobacco along the track. They came to a lonely shanty, about two camps west of Bourke.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Tucker Track: a Steelman Story 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: Adventure, Humor, Drama, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,455 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Tucker Track: a Steelman Story 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 On the Tucker Track: a Steelman Story?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Barney Take Me Home Again by Henry Lawson
- The Romance Of The Swag by Henry Lawson
- The Story Of Gentleman Once by Henry Lawson
- Roll Up At Talbragar by Henry Lawson
- The New Chum Jackaroo by Henry Lawson
- The Boozers Home by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Adventure — The story follows the travels and exploits of two wanderers, Steelman and Smith, as they navigate the Australian outback, encountering various challenges and adventures.
- Humor — The narrative includes humorous elements, particularly in the interactions between characters and the clever schemes devised by Steelman.
- Drama — The story explores themes of survival and human interaction, with dramatic moments arising from the characters' struggles and encounters.
- Social Commentary — The text provides insight into the social conditions and lifestyles of itinerant workers in Australia, reflecting on societal norms and challenges.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Stories · Outback Fiction · Rural Life · Working Class · Social Realism · Regionalism · Fictionalized Autobiography · Coming of Age · Male Protagonist · Adventure Story · Humor