Variation on a Theme. June 30, 1919
The story revolves around the protagonist's attempt to escape the monotony of his life through a series of romantic conquests and intellectual pursuits. However, his efforts are thwarted by his own ineptitude and the societal norms that govern his relationships with women. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, ennui, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1919 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 418 words
First lines
Notably fond of music, I dote on a clearer tone / Than ever was blared by a bugle or zoomed by a saxophone; / And the sound that opens the gates for me of a Paradise revealed / Is something akin to the note revered by the blessed Eugene Field, / Who sang in pellucid phrasing that I perfectly well recall / Of the clink of the ice in the pitcher that the boy brings up the hall.
But sweeter to me than the sparrow's song or the goose's autumn honks / Is the sound of the ice in the shaker as the barkeeper mixes a Bronx.
What this Textopian page supports
Variation on a Theme. June 30, 1919 is listed on Textopian as a play by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Franklin P. Adams
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Social Commentary
- Length: 418 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Variation on a Theme. June 30, 1919 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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- If The Advertising Man Had by Franklin P. Adams
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- Little Things But Aint They Whizzers by O. Henry
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem employs wit and light-heartedness, particularly in its playful treatment of cocktail culture.
- Satire — The poem subtly critiques societal norms and behaviors, especially those related to drinking and leisure.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on social practices and attitudes of the time, particularly the cocktail hour and its cultural significance.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Short Story Collection · American Literature · Post-WWI Era · War Satire · Anti-Imperialism · Critique of Capitalism · Commentary on Politics · Societal Observations