Time Spent in Dress by Charles Lamb
The work critiques the excessive time and attention devoted to dress, particularly by the youth. It emphasizes that while society often underscores the importance of time, many squander it on superficial concerns related to appearance. The author suggests that individuals should keep a record of the time spent on dressing and discussing fashion, revealing how it often eclipses time spent on more meaningful pursuits. By quantifying this time, one can recognize the disproportionate value placed on attire compared to other studies or interests. The piece advocates for a more balanced approach, urging readers to allocate their time wisely and not allow the preoccupation with dress to dominate their lives. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder to prioritize personal growth and intellectual endeavors over vanity, encouraging a reflection on how time is spent and the potential for reclaiming lost hours.
By Charles Lamb · First published 1809 · Genre: Performing Arts, Biography, Fashion · 237 words
First lines
In many a lecture, many a book, / You all have heard, you all have read, / That time is precious. Of its use / Much has been written, much been said.
There's not a more productive source / Of waste of time to the young mind / Than dress; as it regards our hours, / My view of it is now confined.
Without some calculation, youth / May live to age, and never guess / That no one study they pursue / Takes half the time they give to dress.
Write in your memorandum book / The time you at your toilette spend; / Then, every moment which you pass / Talking of dress with a young friend;
Similar titles
- Clothes by Gelett Burgess
- Costume And Custom by Gelett Burgess
- To Cowper Acton Bell by Charlotte Bronte
- A Backward Glance by Edith Wharton
- Conceit And Caricature by G. K. Chesterton
- Going Into Breeches by Charles Lamb
Genres
- Performing Arts — Assuming this title refers to the time spent in theatre costumes, this would suggest a focus on the performing arts, more specifically theatre.
- Biography — Charles Lamb himself was a theatre critic, so the book could be a form of memoir or biography discussing experiences and observations from his career.
- Fashion — The title could potentially refer to the time spent wearing various fashions, therefore the genre of fashion could be a potential fit.
- History — Depending on the period Lamb is writing about, the book could potentially delve into the history of clothing or theatre.
Tags
fashion · clothing · society · 19th century · personal reflection · humor · essays · literary criticism · style · identity · cultural commentary · nostalgia
What this Textopian page supports
Time Spent in Dress is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Lamb, dated 1809 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Lamb
- Date: 1809 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Performing Arts, Biography, Fashion, History, Social Science
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Time Spent in Dress by Charles Lamb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph