
Don't be Good by Gelett Burgess
"Don't be Good" by Gelett Burgess is a collection of humorous poems and stories that satirize the Victorian era's obsession with propriety and social norms. The book includes works such as "The Purple Cow," "The Rubaiyat of Omar Cayenne," and "The Maxims of Methuselah." Burgess' writing style is characterized by its wit, irony, and irreverence towards traditional values and beliefs.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1903 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Moral Instruction · 40 words
First lines
Just because you want to go To the circus, or the show; But, when all your fun is o'er, Be as good as you were before!
What this Textopian page supports
Don't be Good is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gelett Burgess, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Moral Instruction
- Length: 40 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Don't be Good by Gelett Burgess
- 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 Don't be Good?
- How does this poem by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral lesson are characteristic of children's literature.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, typical of poetry.
- Moral Instruction — The text conveys a clear moral lesson about behavior.
Tags
humor · satire · philosophy · self-improvement · nonconformity · individualism · irony · life lessons · social commentary · creativity · personal growth · motivation
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