The Horse and Cart Ferry
The narrative follows the life of Jerry Brown, a man who experiences a downward spiral due to his alcoholism. Initially, he is depicted as a jovial character who frequents the passenger ferry after a night of drinking. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading to embarrassment and shame, particularly in the mornings when he reflects on his drunken escapades. As the story progresses, Jerry's drinking habits worsen, and he becomes a nuisance to fellow passengers. His reliance on alcohol leads to a loss of control, and he is eventually sent away for treatment, returning sober but struggling to maintain his resolve against the temptations of drinking. Despite his intentions to reform, he quickly falls back into his old habits, driven by personal issues, including the influence of his mother-in-law. Ultimately, Jerry's addiction consumes him, leading to his demise. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking and the impact it can have on one's life and relationships. The story concludes with a moral warning against the perils of alcohol, emphasizing the importance of making wise choices when it comes to drinking. The ferry, a central motif, symbolizes both the journey of life and the consequences of one's actions.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary · 773 words
First lines
IT WAS old Jerry Brown, Who'd an office in town, And he used to get jocular, very; And he'd go to the Shore When they'd serve him no more, And, of course, by the passenger ferry, A sight on the passenger ferry.
Now this is a song of the ferry, And a lay of the juice of the berry; 'Tis the ballad of Brown, Who'd a business in town, And commenced to go down Very slow, Don't you know? By coming home just a bit merry.
What this Textopian page supports
The Horse and Cart Ferry is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary, Narrative, Ballad
- Length: 773 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Horse and Cart Ferry by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem employs humor through its portrayal of Jerry Brown's drunken antics and the absurdity of his situation.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on social issues such as alcoholism and its impact on individuals and society.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about Jerry Brown's experiences, making it a narrative piece.
Tags
Henry Lawson · Australian literature · poetry · humor · alcoholism · ferry · narrative · ballad · character study · social commentary · drunkenness · urban life