How? by Franklin P. Adams (1926)
The story revolves around a man who seeks to understand the nature of existence and his place within it. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with fundamental questions about life, death, and the human condition. Through introspection and philosophical inquiry, he attempts to find meaning and purpose in an often seemingly meaningless world.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 169 words
First lines
How can I work when you play the piano, Feminine person above? How can I think, with your ceaseless soprano Singing: "Ah, Love -- "?
How can I dream of a subject aesthetic, Far from the purlieus of prose? How, with the call of the peripatetic "High! High cash clo'es! "?
How can I write when the children are crying? How can I poetize -- how? How can I help imper_fect_ versifying? (There is some now.)
How can I bathe in the thought -- waves of beauty? How, with my nerves on the slant, Can I perform my poetical duty? Frankly, I can't.
What this Textopian page supports
How? is listed on Textopian as an essay by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Franklin P. Adams
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Domestic, Modernist
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How? 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering How??
- How does this essay by Franklin P. Adams fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and irony to express the speaker's frustration in a humorous manner.
- Satire — The poem satirizes the challenges of artistic creation amidst everyday distractions.
- Domestic — The setting and themes revolve around domestic life and its interruptions.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Short Stories · Comedy · Wit · Sarcasm · Irony · Absurdity · Philosophical · Existential