The Poet in Parliament
The Poet in Parliament is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that explore the role of poetry and literature in politics and society. The book includes discussions on topics such as democracy, education, and religion, and how they relate to literary works.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1920 · Genre: Political Satire, Social Commentary, Comedy · 6,880 words
First lines
DURING the singular entrance and exit of Dorian Wimpole, M. P., J. P., etc., Lady Joan was looking out of the magic casements of that turret room which was now literally, and not only poetically, the last limit of Ivywood House. The old broken hole and black staircase up which the lost dog Quoodle used to come and go, had long ago been sealed up and cemented with a wall of exquisite Eastern workmanship. All through the patterns Lord Ivywood had preserved and repeated the principle that no animal shape must appear. But, like all lucid dogmatists, he perceived all the liberties his dogma allowed him. And he had irradiated this remote end of Ivywood with sun and moon and solar and starry systems, with the Milky Way for a dado and a few comets for comic relief. The thing was well done of its kind (as were all the things that Phillip Ivywood got done for him); and if all the windows of the turret were closed with their peacock curtains, a poet with anything like a Hibbsian appreciation of the family champagne might almost fancy he was looking out across the sea on a night crowded with stars. And (what was yet more important) even Misysra (that exact thinker) could not call the moon a live animal without falling into idolatry.
What this Textopian page supports
The Poet in Parliament is listed on Textopian as a novel by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Social Commentary, Comedy, Adventure, Literary Fiction
- Length: 6,880 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Poet in Parliament 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Poet in Parliament?
- How does this novel by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Vegetarianism In The Drawing Room by G. K. Chesterton
- The Poetry Of The Revolution by G. K. Chesterton
- The Turk And The Futurists by G. K. Chesterton
- Africa by G. K. Chesterton
- The Red Reactionary by G. K. Chesterton
- The Republic Of Peaceways by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Political Satire — The narrative critiques political systems and figures, using humor and irony to highlight the absurdities of parliamentary procedures and political ambitions.
- Social Commentary — The text explores themes of societal norms, class distinctions, and the impact of legislation on everyday life, reflecting on the social dynamics of the time.
- Comedy — The story employs comedic elements, such as exaggerated characters and situations, to entertain while delivering its critique of politics and society.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and various escapades, with characters navigating challenges and unexpected events, adding an adventurous tone to the narrative.
Tags
poetry · politics · satire · philosophy · social commentary · literature · government · rhetoric · debate · nationalism · identity · culture