Exaggeration by Gelett Burgess
Exaggeration is a humorous poem written by Gelett Burgess that pokes fun at the tendency of people to exaggerate their experiences and accomplishments. The poem uses hyperbole and absurdity to highlight the ridiculousness of this behavior, while also providing a lighthearted commentary on human nature.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1895 · Genre: Humor, Children's Literature, Poetry · 82 words
First lines
Don't try to tell a story To beat the one you've heard; For if you try, you're apt to lie, And that would be absurd!
Don't try to be more funny Than any one in school; For if you're not, they'll laugh a lot, And think you are a fool!
What this Textopian page supports
Exaggeration is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gelett Burgess, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Children's Literature, Poetry, Didactic
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Exaggeration by Gelett Burgess
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Exaggeration?
- How does this poem by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Humor — The text uses playful language and rhymes to convey a humorous message about exaggeration and storytelling.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral lesson are characteristic of literature aimed at a younger audience.
- Poetry — The use of rhyme and meter indicates a poetic structure.
- Didactic — The text imparts a moral lesson about honesty and humility.
Tags
humor · satire · poetry · whimsy · exaggeration · nonsense · playful · imagination · creativity · language · absurdity · lighthearted