Songs of Angus: THE GOWK by Violet Jacob
The Gowk is a novel by Violet Jacob, set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Angus, a young man who is struggling to come to terms with his identity and his place in the world. Angus is a gowk, a term used to describe someone who is considered to be a bit of a fool. He is constantly ridiculed and ostracized by his peers, and he is desperate to prove himself and find his place in the world. The novel follows Angus as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about his heritage and the history of his people. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, from a mysterious old woman to a young girl who helps him to understand his identity. As Angus learns more about himself, he also learns to accept and embrace his gowk identity. The Gowk is a powerful and moving story about identity, belonging, and the power of acceptance. It is a story of hope and resilience, and a reminder that we all have something to offer the world.
By Violet Jacob · First published 1915 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Folklore, Romance · 226 words
First lines
I see the Gowk an' the Gowk sees me / Beside a berry-bush by the aipple-tree. / "Old Scots Rhyme".
'Tib, my auntie's a deil to wark, / Has me risin' 'afore the sun; / Aince her heid is abune her sark / Then the clash o' her tongue's begun! / Warslin', steerin' wi' hens an' swine, / Naucht kens she o' a freend o' mine -- / But the Gowk that bides i' the woods o' Dun / He kens him fine!
Past the yaird an' ahint the stye, / O the aipples grow bonnilie! / Tib, my auntie, she canna' spy / Wha comes creepin' to kep wi' me. / Aye! she'd sort him, for, dod, she's fell! / Whisht nou, Jimmie, an' hide yersel' / An' the wice-like bird i' the aipple-tree / He winna' tell!
What this Textopian page supports
Songs of Angus: THE GOWK is listed on Textopian as a short story by Violet Jacob, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Violet Jacob
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Folklore, Romance, Drama
- Length: 226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Songs of Angus: THE GOWK by Violet Jacob
- 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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Similar titles
- Songs Of Angus Fringford Brook by Violet Jacob
- Songs Of Angus Presage by Violet Jacob
- Songs Of Angus The Lang Road by Violet Jacob
- Songs Of Angus Jeemsie Miller by Violet Jacob
- Songs Of Angus The Twa Weelums by Violet Jacob
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in Scotland in the early 1900s and follows the life of Angus, a Scottish farmer, and his family, making it a historical fiction novel.
- Folklore — The book is based on the traditional Scottish folktale of 'The Gowk', which is a central theme throughout the novel.
- Romance — The book follows the romantic relationship between Angus and his wife, and the struggles they face in their marriage.
- Drama — The book follows the dramatic events in Angus' life, such as his struggles with poverty and his relationship with his family.
Tags
Scottish literature · poetry · folk themes · nature · cultural heritage · rural life · traditional songs · identity · mythology · storytelling · emotional depth · lyrical