Songs of Angus: THE GOWK
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
- 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 Songs of Angus: THE GOWK?
- How does this short story by Violet Jacob fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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
- Songs Of Angus The Heid Horseman by Violet Jacob
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