The Ettrick Shepherd
This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's childhood and adolescence in Scotland. It explores themes of identity, class, and cultural heritage through the eyes of a young boy growing up in a rural community. The narrative is characterized by vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the people who inhabit it, as well as a strong sense of nostalgia for a lost way of life.
By James Baldwin · First published 1829 · Genre: Biography, Historical, Inspirational · 1,009 words
First lines
I
In Scotland there once lived a poor shepherd whose name was James Hogg. His father and grandfather and great-grandfather had all been shepherds.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ettrick Shepherd is listed on Textopian as a novel by James Baldwin, dated 1829 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1829 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical, Inspirational, Animal, Poetry
- Length: 1,009 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ettrick Shepherd by James Baldwin
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Biography — The text provides a detailed account of the life and experiences of James Hogg, focusing on his personal history and achievements.
- Historical — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, providing insights into the life and times of a shepherd in Scotland.
- Inspirational — The story highlights themes of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge despite adversity.
- Animal — The story prominently features the relationship between the shepherd and his dog, Sirrah, showcasing the animal's loyalty and intelligence.
Tags
Autobiographical · Biographical · Poetry · Scottish · Literary · Memoir · Nature · Rural · Shepherd · Folkloric · Cultural · Historical