Ballade of the Breakfast Table
The narrative revolves around a breakfast table scene where a group of people engage in mundane conversations and witty banter, revealing their personalities and social dynamics. The story explores the relationships between the individuals seated at the table, highlighting their quirks, flaws, and insecurities. Through their interactions, the reader gains insight into the societal norms and values of the time period. The tone is satirical, with a touch of humor, as it pokes fun at the pretensions and superficiality of the characters. The narrative also touches on themes of class, status, and the human condition. The writing style is characterized by its concise, witty, and observational nature, which effectively captures the essence of everyday life in a humorous and relatable way.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 362 words
First lines
When the Festal Board, as the papers say, Groans 'neath the weight of a lot to eat, At breakfast, Fruhstuck or dejeuner, (As a bard tri-lingual I'm rather neat) At breakfast, then, if I may repeat, This is what gets me into a huff, This is a query I cannot beat: Why don't they ever have spoons enough?
I've broken my fast with the grave and gay, With hoi polloi and with the elite; I've been all over the U. S. A. From Dorchester Crossing to Kearney Street. But aye when I sit in the morning seat Comes to my notice the self-same bluff, Plenty of food, but in this they cheat: Why don't they ever have spoons enough?
What this Textopian page supports
Ballade of the Breakfast Table is listed on Textopian as a poem by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Social Commentary
- Length: 362 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ballade of the Breakfast Table 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
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and light-hearted complaints to entertain, typical of humorous writing.
- Satire — The poem critiques social norms and dining experiences in a playful manner, aligning with satirical elements.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal habits and dining customs, providing a subtle critique.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Wit · Sarcasm · Observational Comedy · Everyday Life · Domesticity · Marriage · Family Dynamics