“Brummy Usen” Page #2

"Brummy Usen" is a short story by Australian author Henry Lawson, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the struggles of working-class life in Australia. The narrative centers around the titular character, Brummy Usen, a man of Brummie descent who faces the challenges of navigating his cultural identity and social status in a rough, unforgiving environment. Through Lawson's vivid storytelling, the tale captures the essence of Australian society during the late 19th century, highlighting both the resilience and vulnerabilities of its characters.

• Short story

								

wages that was owing to him.

“He tried the police, but they were just as obstinate as the rest; and,
beside, they had their dignity to hold up. 'If I ain't Brummy,' he'd
say, 'who are I?' But they answered that he knew best. So he did.

“At last he said that it didn't matter much, any road; and so he went
away--Lord knows where--to begin life again, I s'pose.”

The traveller smoked awhile reflectively; then he quietly rolled up his
right sleeve and scratched his arm.

And on that arm we saw the tattooed figure of a woman, holding up a
branch.

We tramped on by his side again towards the station-thinking very hard
and not feeling very comfortable.

He must have been an awful old liar, now we come to think of it.
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