The Song against Grocers
The Song against Grocers is a poem written by G.K. Chesterton that criticizes the grocery industry and its practices. The poem highlights how grocers have become greedy and only care about making profits, rather than providing quality products to their customers. It also touches on the issue of food adulteration and how it affects people's health. Overall, the poem is a satirical take on the grocery industry and its negative impact on society.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1926 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 499 words
First lines
God made the wicked Grocer For a mystery and a sign, That men might shun the awful shops And go to inns to dine; Where the bacon's on the rafter And the wine is in the wood, And God that made good laughter Has seen that they are good.
The evil-hearted Grocer Would call his mother "Ma'am," And bow at her and bob at her, Her aged soul to damn, And rub his horrid hands and ask What article was next, Though = mortis in articulo = Should be her proper text.
What this Textopian page supports
The Song against Grocers is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor, Allegory
- Length: 499 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Song against Grocers 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
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Genres
- Satire — The work uses humor and irony to criticize and mock the practices of grocers, highlighting their greed and unethical behavior.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, employing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and commercial practices, particularly focusing on the moral implications of the grocery trade.
- Humor — The work employs comedic elements to entertain while delivering its critical message.
Tags
satire · poetry · humor · critique · society · consumerism · grocers · class · economics · food · urban life · social commentary