Ballade of the Average Reader
The narrative revolves around a reader who is average in every way, yet finds himself drawn into the world of literature through his encounters with various characters from different literary works. As he navigates this world, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the idealized portrayals of life presented by authors and instead seeks out more realistic representations of human experience. Through his interactions with these characters, the reader begins to question the notion that literature must be a reflection of perfection or moral superiority, and instead advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of human nature.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1924 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism · 300 words
First lines
I try to touch the public taste, For thus I earn my daily bread. I try to write what folks will paste In scrap books after I am dead. By Public Craving I am led. (I' sooth, a most despotic leader) Yet, though I write for Tom and Ned, I've never seen an average reader.
The Editor is good and chaste, But says: (Above the public's head; This is _too_ good; 'twill go to waste. Write something commonplacer -- Ed.) Write for the average reader, fed By pre-digested near-food's feeder, But though my high ideals have fled, I've never _seen_ an average reader.
What this Textopian page supports
Ballade of the Average Reader is listed on Textopian as a poem by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Franklin P. Adams
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism, Humor
- Length: 300 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ballade of the Average Reader by Franklin P. Adams
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ballade of the Average Reader?
- How does this poem by Franklin P. Adams fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Abbreviations Artful Aid by Harry Graham
- On The Importance Of Being by Franklin P. Adams
- Mrs Seymour Fentolin by Oliver Herford
- To A Vers Librist by Franklin P. Adams
- Jim And Bill by Franklin P. Adams
- The Beefsteak Club Cantos by Harry Graham
Genres
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the concept of writing for an 'average reader' and the pressures faced by writers to conform to public taste.
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its message.
- Literary Criticism — It offers a commentary on literary standards and the editorial process, questioning the existence of an 'average reader'.
- Humor — The tone is light-hearted and playful, using wit to address the serious topic of literary expectations.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Humor · Critique · Society · Culture · Class · Status · Privilege · Observation · Insight