Set Text: A Simple Gift
Steve Herrick's poetry novel tells the story of a homeless boy's quest to find somewhere to belong. After he runs away from an abusive father, Billy lives in an abandoned railway carriage. There he meets another homeless man, Old Bill and starts to understand the nature of belonging. Caitlin, a lonely girl from a rich family, helps him along the way.
This text is particularly interesting because it constantly changes perspective between the three characters, gradually building up a more complete understanding of the process of belonging in the reader's mind.
For words from the poet's mouth, try
Study guides can be found at
Some sample essays can be found below.
WARNING: DON'T PLAGERISE. YOUR TEACHERS USE THIS SITE TOO!
- Steve Herrick's website [http://www.stevenherrick.com.au/] FAQ" will give you answers to questions about Herrick's life experiences, but click on "Teacher Notes" for answers to FAQs by HSC students.
Study guides can be found at
- HSC Online [http://hsc.csu.edu.au/english/area_of_study/belonging/3725/simple_gift.htm]
- Charlotte Allen's online unit [http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/edu/ICT/student_pages/sem2_2005/CAllen/index.html]
Some sample essays can be found below.
- Nebo lit [http://nebo-lit.com/topic-areas/belonging/The-Simple-Gift.html]
- Beautiful Nightmare's analysis of the cover [http://benaball.com/tag/a-simple-gift-steven-herrick-analysis/]
- Shelley MacNamara's Blog [http://belongingareaofstudy.blogspot.com/2008/10/analytical-writing-key-scene-analysis.html]
WARNING: DON'T PLAGERISE. YOUR TEACHERS USE THIS SITE TOO!
