Stiffner and Jim (Thirdly, Bill) by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a group of men who are struggling to survive on the land during a severe drought. They are forced to rely on each other for support and companionship, but their relationships are strained by their own personal demons and conflicts. Stiffner, a rugged and independent man, is at odds with Jim, a more sensitive and emotional character. Their disagreements often boil over into physical altercations, causing tension among the group. Despite these tensions, the men must come together to face the harsh realities of their situation. They are forced to confront their own mortality and the possibility that they may not survive the drought. The story is a powerful exploration of masculinity, friendship, and the human condition. It highlights the complexities and challenges of male relationships in a rugged and unforgiving environment.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1892 · Genre: Adventure, Humor, Drama · 3,410 words
First lines
We were tramping down in Canterbury, Maoriland, at the time, swagging it -- me and Bill -- looking for work on the new railway line. Well, one afternoon, after a long, hot tramp, we comes to Stiffner's Hotel -- between Christchurch and that other place -- I forget the name of it -- with throats on us like sunstruck bones, and not the price of a stick of tobacco.
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative follows the protagonists on a journey, encountering challenges and engaging in risky schemes.
- Humor — The story contains comedic elements, particularly in the interactions and schemes of the characters.
- Drama — The plot involves tension and conflict, especially in the characters' attempts to outwit Stiffner.
- Realism — The writing style and setting reflect realistic depictions of life and characters in a specific historical context.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Rural Setting · Regionalism · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Irony
What this Textopian page supports
Stiffner and Jim (Thirdly, Bill) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Humor, Drama, Realism, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,410 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Stiffner and Jim (Thirdly, Bill) by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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