# Masculinity and Labor in Such Is Life

> Theme guide for Such Is Life by Joseph Furphy.

The book portrays a rugged, homosocial world of bullock drivers, drovers, and boundary riders, where physical endurance, practical knowledge, and a stoic acceptance of hardship define manhood, contrasted with effete 'whalers' or gentlemen.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/vi): Alf Morris's changed disposition and his work as a carrier and boundary man, along with the narrator's observations on labor and reputation, explore themes of masculine identity and work.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/themes/masculinity_and_labor
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/themes