Two Larrikins by Henry Lawson (1894)
The story revolves around two Australian outcasts who form a bond over their shared experiences of poverty and hardship. They are portrayed as being on the fringes of society, struggling to survive in a harsh environment. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience in the face of adversity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1894 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Social Commentary · 1,359 words
First lines
"Y'orter do something, Ernie. Yer know how I am. YOU don't seem to care. Y'orter to do something."
Stowsher slouched at a greater angle to the greasy door-post, and scowled under his hat-brim. It was a little, low, frowsy room opening into Jones' Alley. She sat at the table, sewing -- a thin, sallow girl with weak, colourless eyes. She looked as frowsy as her surroundings.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Larrikins is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Drama, Social Commentary, Romance, Australian Literature
- Length: 1,359 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Larrikins 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 Two Larrikins?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Meeting Old Mates by Henry Lawson
- The Green Hand Rouseabout by Henry Lawson
- The Boozers Home by Henry Lawson
- An Old Mate Of Your Fathers by Henry Lawson
- Macquaries Mate by Henry Lawson
- Baldy Thompson by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on the everyday lives and struggles of working-class characters, depicted in a straightforward and unembellished manner.
- Drama — The story explores emotional and interpersonal conflicts, particularly between the two main characters, highlighting themes of love, responsibility, and societal expectations.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social issues such as poverty, gender roles, and the harsh realities of working-class life, reflecting on the societal conditions of the time.
- Romance — The relationship between the two main characters is central to the narrative, with elements of love and commitment playing a significant role in the plot.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Rural Australia · Outback · Mate Culture · Male Bonding · Coming of Age · Youth Culture