A Ballade of an Anti-Puritan by G.K. Chesterton
A Ballade of an Anti-Puritan is a poem written by G.K. Chesterton that criticizes the Puritans for their strict adherence to rules and regulations. The poem argues that life should be lived with joy and freedom, rather than being constrained by rigid moral codes. It also suggests that the Puritans' focus on sin and punishment has led to a society that is overly repressed and unhappy.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 295 words
First lines
They spoke of Progress spiring round, / Of Light and Mrs. Humphry Ward -- / It is not true to say I frowned, / Or ran about the room and roared; / I might have simply sat and snored -- / I rose politely in the club / And said, "I feel a little bored; / Will someone take me to a pub?"
The new world's wisest did surround / Me; and it pains me to record / I did not think their views profound, / Or their conclusions well assured; / The simple life I can't afford, / Besides, I do not like the grub -- / I wait a mash and sausage, "scored" -- / Will someone take me to a pub?
What this Textopian page supports
A Ballade of an Anti-Puritan is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Ballade of an Anti-Puritan by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Dregs Of Puritanism by G. K. Chesterton
- The High Priest by C. J. Dennis
- The Englishman by G. K. Chesterton
- The New Freethinker by G. K. Chesterton
- The Sectarian Of Society by G. K. Chesterton
- Four Stupidities by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and intellectual pretensions.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on contemporary social issues and attitudes, particularly critiquing modern progress and intellectualism.
- Humor — The tone and content are light-hearted and amusing, aiming to entertain while delivering its critique.
Tags
poetry · satire · religion · morality · philosophy · critique · Puritanism · individualism · freedom · society · humor · irony