The New Name by G.K. Chesterton
The New Name is a novel by G.K. Chesterton that follows the story of a young man named John Smith who discovers his true identity and purpose in life after meeting a mysterious stranger. The book explores themes of identity, faith, and redemption through its characters and plot.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1906 · Genre: Political Commentary, Social Criticism, Philosophical · 1,730 words
First lines
Something has come into our community, which is strong enough to save our community; but which has not yet got a name. Let no one fancy I confess any unreality when I confess the namelessness. The morality called Puritanism, the tendency called Liberalism, the reaction called Tory Democracy, had not only long been powerful, but had practically done most of their work, before these actual names were attached to them. Nevertheless, I think it would be a good thing to have some portable and practicable way of referring to those who think as we do in our main concern. Which is, that men in England are ruled, at this minute by the clock, by brutes who refuse them bread, by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern, and therefore wish to enslave.
What this Textopian page supports
The New Name is listed on Textopian as a novel by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Commentary, Social Criticism, Philosophical, Satire, Essay
- Length: 1,730 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The New Name by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The New Name?
- How does this novel by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Commentary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Other Kind Of Man by G. K. Chesterton
- The Furrows by G. K. Chesterton
- The Glory Of Grey by G. K. Chesterton
- The Dead Hero by G. K. Chesterton
- The Man On Top by G. K. Chesterton
- Turning Inside Out by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Political Commentary — The text critiques political systems and figures, focusing on themes of governance, power, and societal structures.
- Social Criticism — The work addresses social issues, highlighting class struggles and the moral failings of the ruling class.
- Philosophical — The narrative explores philosophical ideas about morality, rebellion, and societal norms.
- Satire — The writing style employs satire to mock and criticize political and social institutions.
Tags
philosophy · identity · faith · redemption · moral dilemmas · society · individualism · spirituality · self-discovery · human nature · existentialism · allegory