Sonnet with the Compliments of the Season
The poem "Sonnet with the Compliments of the Season" by G.K. Chesterton is a humorous and satirical take on the holiday season. It pokes fun at the commercialization of Christmas and the materialism that often accompanies it. The speaker in the poem expresses his disdain for the "Christmas cheer" that he sees all around him, and instead wishes for a simpler, more meaningful celebration.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1928 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Social Critique · 189 words
First lines
TO A POPULAR LEADER MUCH TO BE CONGRATULATED / ON THE AVOIDANCE OF A STRIKE AT CHRISTMAS.
I know you. You will hail the huge release, / Saying the sheathing of a thousand swords, / In silence and injustice, well accords / With Christmas bells. And you will gild with grease / The papers, the employers, the police, / And vomit up the void your windy words / To your New Christ; who bears no whip of cords / For them that traffic in the doves of peace.
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet with the Compliments of the Season is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Social Critique, Religious Commentary
- Length: 189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sonnet with the Compliments of the Season 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
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, a form of poetry, with a focus on meter and rhyme.
- Political Commentary — The poem addresses political themes, such as labor strikes and societal issues, reflecting on leadership and justice.
- Social Critique — The text critiques societal norms and the actions of leaders, particularly in the context of Christmas and peace.
- Religious Commentary — The poem references religious themes, including Christmas and Bethlehem, to contrast with contemporary social issues.
Tags
poetry · sonnet · seasonal · celebration · nature · love · romance · reflection · philosophy · joy · beauty · language