The Shooting of Dan Mcgrew
In a saloon in the Yukon, a group of miners celebrates while a musician plays. Among them is Dangerous Dan McGrew, a notorious figure, who is accompanied by Lou, a woman of questionable reputation. A disheveled stranger enters, appearing weary and desperate, and orders drinks for everyone, including Dan. The miners are intrigued by the stranger, who seems to carry a heavy burden. As the stranger plays the piano, his music evokes deep emotions, reflecting the loneliness and longing of men in the wilderness. He expresses a profound yearning for love and home, contrasting with Lou's superficial allure. The atmosphere shifts as the music turns somber, hinting at betrayal and despair. The stranger's demeanor becomes intense, and he accuses one of the men in the saloon, specifically Dan, of being a "hound of hell." In a sudden confrontation, gunfire erupts, resulting in the deaths of both Dan and the stranger. The scene reveals the chaotic and violent nature of life in the frontier, where jealousy and passion can lead to fatal outcomes. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the events, suggesting that the woman, Lou, played a pivotal role in the tragedy, having been involved with both men. The story encapsulates themes of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in the wilderness.
By Robert W. Service · First published 1907 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Western, Tragedy · 1,128 words
First lines
A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon; The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune; Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous Dan McGrew, And watching his luck was his light-o'-love, the lady that's known as Lou.
When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the din and the glare, There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty and loaded for bear.
What this Textopian page supports
The Shooting of Dan Mcgrew is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert W. Service, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert W. Service
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Western, Tragedy, Ballad, Adventure
- Length: 1,128 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Shooting of Dan Mcgrew by Robert W. Service
- 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 The Shooting of Dan Mcgrew?
- How does this poem by Robert W. Service fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Narrative Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tramps by Robert W. Service
- The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones by Robert W. Service
- The Reckoning by Robert W. Service
- The Call Of The Wild by Robert W. Service
- The Cremation Of Sam Mcgee by Robert W. Service
- The Hemp by Stephen Vincent Benet
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through verse, focusing on characters and events.
- Western — The setting and themes revolve around the American frontier, featuring miners and saloons.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of despair, betrayal, and death.
- Ballad — The poem follows a traditional ballad form, recounting a dramatic tale.
Tags
Western Ballad · Poetry · Adventure · Frontier Life · Gold Rush · Alaska · Wild West · Outlaw · Gunfight · Mortality · Fate · Chance