The Revolutionist: or Lines to a Statesman
The Revolutionist: or Lines to a Statesman is a poem written by G.K. Chesterton in 1908. It criticizes the idea of revolution and advocates for gradual change through democratic means. The poem argues that true progress comes from working within existing systems rather than trying to overthrow them.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Political Commentary · 690 words
First lines
"I WAS NEVER STANDING BY WHILE A REVOLUTION WAS GOING ON. " -- _Speech by the Rt. Hon. Walter Long_.
When Death was on thy drums, Democracy, And with one rush of slaves the world was free, In that high dawn that Kings shall not forget, A void there was and Walter was not yet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Revolutionist: or Lines to a Statesman 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, Political Commentary, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 690 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Similar titles
- Tods Amendment by Rudyard Kipling
- The Anarchist by G. K. Chesterton
- The Church Of The Servile State by G. K. Chesterton
- The Evolution Of Slaves by G. K. Chesterton
- Thoughts Around Koepenick by G. K. Chesterton
- Horne Tooke Fox And Pitt by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Satire — The text employs irony and humor to critique political figures and societal norms.
- Political Commentary — The themes revolve around political figures, revolutions, and societal structures.
- Historical — References to historical events and figures such as revolutions and political leaders are prevalent.
Tags
politics · revolution · satire · philosophy · social commentary · government · statesmanship · literary critique · historical context · ideology · individualism · freedom