A DOUBLE BUGGY AT LAHEY’S CREEK

Henry Lawson

Summary• Part of a short story series.

• Main characters: Joe Wilson, Mary Wilson, James Black and Jim Wilson.

• Wife Mary wants a double buggy however Joe shows reluctance.

• Following a series of fortunate events, Joe acquires the buggy for a good deal.

• This act stabilises their marriage.

A Double Buggy

Concerns• Family sacrifice.

• Typical Australian man

• Luck and Success

• Family Relationships

• Isolation

Views & Values• Class Division

• Buggy is a sign of wealth

• Buggy would allow greater freedom.

• Role of women in society

• Mary Wilson

Lawson’s Representation• Lawson’s mother was an avid feminist.

• Strong female characters in the text.

• 1901 was a time of racial discrimination in Australia.

• Several references to the “black boy” who worked for the family.

• Lawson’s home situation was similar to that of the Wilson family.

• Lawson came from a working class family.

• Lawson’s work was important for establishing Australia’s reputation as an independent nation.

Louisa Lawson

Henry Lawson

Literary Features• Colloquial language

• Similes and comparisons

• Alliteration

• Imagery

• Reflects the harsh rural Australian lifestyle of the time.

Comparison• The Bath

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