Paw by C.J. Dennis (1918)

Name: Paw
Author: C.J. Dennis

The narrative centers on a character reflecting on the complexities of familial duty and social status, particularly regarding their father, who has recently been granted a pension. The protagonist expresses a mix of embarrassment and disdain for the social interactions that accompany this event, particularly with the upper-class acquaintances who seem to lack genuine concern for the father’s well-being. The protagonist's father, once a miner, is portrayed as a source of social embarrassment due to his humble origins and lack of refinement. The protagonist grapples with the tension between familial loyalty and societal expectations, revealing a deep-seated desire to maintain a certain social image. The pension is seen as a necessary financial relief, yet it also highlights the protagonist's struggle with the stigma of having a father from a lower social class. Throughout the work, there is a satirical examination of class distinctions and the superficiality of social interactions. The protagonist's disdain for the "lower classes" and the perceived impropriety of their father's behavior underscores a broader commentary on societal norms and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their social standing. The protagonist's internal conflict is evident as they navigate the complexities of their relationship with their father, balancing affection with a desire to distance themselves from his past. The narrative culminates in a sense of relief that the government has taken responsibility for the father, allowing the protagonist to focus on their own social aspirations, including the prospect of purchasing a motor car with the pension funds. Overall, the work critiques the hypocrisy of social elites while exploring themes of familial obligation, class consciousness, and the often uncomfortable intersections of personal and public life.

By C.J. Dennis · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 928 words

First lines

Haw! / Ai've just obteened a pension for mai Paw. / And you should hev seen the people that were theah. / Re-ally, it was surpraising! / Maind, Ai am not criticaising, / But it was embarrassing, Ai do decleah. / Ai met the Snobson-Smythes and Toady-Browns, and many moah / Belonging to ouah set; and wondahed what they came theah foah.

And, of course, Ai didn't say a word of Paw. / Ai rather think they've nevah heard of Paw. / But Ai thought it well to mention / That Ai came to get the pension / For an aged person who had worked for Maw. / The Snobson-Smythes said, "Fancy! That is just why we came dahn. " / But Ai've heard they hev a mothah hidden somewheah out of tahn.

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Paw is listed on Textopian as a poem by C.J. Dennis, dated 1918 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: C.J. Dennis
Date: 1918 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Humor, Social Commentary, Narrative
Length: 928 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Satire — The poem critiques social class distinctions and the absurdities of societal expectations.
Humor — The tone and content are comedic, using irony and exaggeration to entertain.
Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal norms and the treatment of the elderly within the context of family and class.