The Comfort of Obscurity
It's a satirical essay that critiques the societal pressure to be famous and well-known, arguing that true happiness can be found in living a quiet, unassuming life. The text pokes fun at the idea of seeking fame and fortune, suggesting it often leads to superficial relationships and a lack of genuine fulfillment.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1924 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Literary Criticism · 140 words
First lines
INSPIRED BY READING MR. KIPLING'S POEMS AS PRINTED IN THE NEW YORK PAPERS
Though earnest and industrious, I still am unillustrious; No papers empty purses Printing verses Such as mine.
No lack of fame is chronicker Than that about my monicker; My verse is never cabled At a fabled Rate per line.
Still though the Halls Of Literature are closed To me a bard obscure I Have a consolation The Copyreaders crude and rough Can't monkey with my Humble stuff and change MY Punctuation.
What this Textopian page supports
The Comfort of Obscurity 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: Poetry, Satire, Literary Criticism, Autobiographical
- Length: 140 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Comfort of Obscurity 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, focusing on rhythm and rhyme.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the literary establishment and the pursuit of fame.
- Literary Criticism — It reflects on the nature of literary fame and the role of editors.
- Autobiographical — The poem expresses personal sentiments about obscurity and recognition.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Dark Humor · Absurdism · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Short Story Collection · Comedic Prose · Wit and Wisdom · Observational Comedy · Cultural Critique