"A Double Buggy at Lahey Creek" is a short story written by iconic Australian writer and poet Henry Lawson

Henry Lawson

Henry Lawson was an Australian writer and poet. Along with his contemporary Banjo Paterson, Lawson is among the best-known Australian poets and fiction writers of the colonial period and is often called Australia's "greatest writer"...

. It was Lawson's second story to include the character of Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson (fictional character)

Joe Wilson is a fictional character appearing in several well-known short stories by Australian writer Henry Lawson.Joe Wilson first appeared in "Brighten's Sister-in-law," the first story Lawson wrote after his arrival to England, and the longest he had ever written up to that time...

, however, chronologically, it is fourth and final in the Joe Wilson series.

The story follows the events that befall Joe Wilson and his family, and which ultimately lead to his buying a double buggy for the woman he loves- his wife, Mary.

Plot summary

The story begins with Joe's earlier, unsuccessful attempts to acquire a double buggy, and how Mary's suggestion to grow potatoes becomes a profitable venture.
Following a string of good luck, Joe decides to buy a double buggy for Mary, to show his appreciation for all the sacrifices she has made over the years of their marriage. The surprise gift strengthens what had been a somewhat unstable marriage.

Characters

• Joe Wilson
  • Narrator of the story. He is a typical Australian "battler," and experiences the ups and downs of late nineteenth century living. He cares greatly for his wife, though her opinion counts for little when it comes to making a living. He considers himself quite resourceful.

• Mary Wilson
  • Joe Wilson's wife. She is quite an intelligent woman, and likes to have her opinion heard, to the point that Joe considers her to be obstinate. She rarely complains about her dull, lonely lifestyle.

• Jim Wilson
  • The only child of Joe and Mary. His real name is John Henry Wilson, after an uncle godfather, but they'd called him Jim "from the first- (and before it)." Though Jim plays a larger part in other Joe Wilson stories, particularly "Brighten's Sister-in-law," his role in this story is only marginal.

• James Black
  • Mary's "young scamp of a brother." He keeps Mary and the family company when Joe is on the road. He helps out around the property.

• Bill and Robert Galletly
  • Two brothers, the "biggest men in the district," who own a coach shop. They offer Joe a double buggy that he can pay off over time, whenever he can.

Major Themes

• Family sacrifice
• Rewards
• The typical Australian "battler."
• The role of luck in success
• Family relationships (particularly husband/wife)
• Loneliness / Isolation

Quotes

Joe Wilson- "I didn't listen to any more. Mary was obstinate when she got an idea in her head. It was no use arguing with her."

Joe Wilson- "When I took advice I generally made the mistake of taking more than was offered, or adding notions of my own. It was vanity, I suppose."

Joe Wilson- "I hated anything that looked like injustice- I was so sensitive about it that it made me unjust sometimes."

Joe Wilson- "Chaps began to talk about 'Joe Wilson's luck.'"

Publication details

• First published: Blackwood's Magazine, February 1901
• Source Joe Wilson and His Mates, Edinburgh and London, Blackwood, 1901