The Stranger's Friend
The story revolves around a young man who befriends an older stranger and learns about his life experiences. The stranger's tales of adventure and hardship have a profound impact on the young man, forcing him to re-evaluate his own values and priorities. Through their conversations, the stranger shares stories of love, loss, and redemption, which ultimately lead to a transformation in the young man's perspective on life.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Realism · 915 words
First lines
The strangest things, and the maddest things, that a man can do or say, To the chaps and fellers and coves Out Back are matters of every day; Maybe on account of the lives they lead, or the life that their hearts discard -- But never a fool can be too mad or a ‘hard case' be too hard.
I met him in Bourke in the Union days -- with which we have nought to do (Their creed was narrow, their methods crude, but they stuck to ‘the cause' like glue). He came into town from the Lost Soul Run for his grim half-yearly ‘bend,' And because of a curious hobby he had, he was known as ‘The Stranger's Friend.'
What this Textopian page supports
The Stranger's Friend is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Realism, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 915 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Stranger's Friend by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Stranger's Friend?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- After All by Henry Lawson
- A Day On A Selection by Henry Lawson
- The Story Of Malachi by Henry Lawson
- Bill And Jim Fall Out by Henry Lawson
- Out Back by Henry Lawson
- Forard by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the life and environment of the Outback.
- Realism — The narrative focuses on realistic depictions of life, character behavior, and social issues in the Australian bush.
- Social Commentary — The themes address social issues such as alcoholism, camaraderie, and the struggles of bush life.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Social Commentary · Outback Setting · Rural Life · Friendship · Loneliness · Isolation · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Psychological Insight