Ornithology by Franklin P. Adams
This work is a satirical essay that critiques the field of ornithology and its practitioners. It uses humor to highlight the absurdities and contradictions inherent in the discipline. The text employs irony and ridicule to expose the flaws in the scientific method and the hubris of some researchers. Through this approach, it challenges readers to question the validity and relevance of certain scientific pursuits.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 210 words
First lines
Unlearned I in ornithology -- All I know about the birds Is a bunch of etymology, Just a lot of high -- flown words. Is the curlew an uxorial Bird? The Latin name for crow? Is the bulfinch grallatorial? I dunno.
O'er my head no golden gloriole Ever shall be proudly set For my knowledge of the oriole, Eagle, ibis, or egrette. I know less about the tanager And its hopes and fears and aims Than a busy Broadway manager Does of James.
But, despite my incapacity On the birdies of the air, I am not without sagacity, Be it ne'er so small a share. This I know, though ye be scorning at What I know not, though ye mock, Birdies wake me every morning at Four o'clock.
What this Textopian page supports
Ornithology is listed on Textopian as a poem by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1923 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: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Nature
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The tone is light-hearted and playful, using wit and irony to convey the speaker's lack of knowledge.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the speaker's ignorance and pretentiousness in a self-deprecating manner.
- Nature — The subject matter revolves around birds and the natural world, despite the speaker's admitted ignorance.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Literary Fiction · Comedy · Social Commentary · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Novel · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Biographical Satire · Parody · Wit