A Bad Workman Complains of his Tools
This collection of satirical poems uses common sayings and proverbs to comment on the social issues of the time, including poverty, inequality, and the exploitation of the working class. The tone is critical and humorous, with a focus on exposing the hypocrisy and injustices of society.
By Harry Graham · First published 1907 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Humor · 116 words
First lines
This pen of mine is simply grand, / I never loved a pen so much; / This paper (underneath my hand) / Is really a delight to touch; / And never in my life, I think, / Did I make use of finer ink.
The subject upon which I write / Is ev'rything that I could choose; / I seldom knew my wits more bright, / More cosmopolitan my views; / Nor ever did my head contain / So surplus a supply of brain!
What this Textopian page supports
A Bad Workman Complains of his Tools is listed on Textopian as a poem by Harry Graham, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Harry Graham
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Humor, Philosophical
- Length: 116 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for A Bad Workman Complains of his Tools by Harry Graham
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Satire — The work employs humor and irony to critique and mock human behavior, particularly the tendency to blame external factors for personal shortcomings.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its message.
- Humor — The playful and witty tone is designed to amuse and entertain the reader.
- Philosophical — The work reflects on human nature and the philosophical idea of self-awareness and responsibility.
Tags
Satire · Dark Humor · Social Commentary · Proverbial Language · Wordplay · Irony · Cynicism · Critique of Society · Morality Play · Farcical Tone · Absurdity · Anti-Heroism
More by Harry Graham
- More Misrepresentative Men (1905)
- What's in a Name? (1927)
- Nobody's Darling! (Rhymes for the Times) (1902)
- Roses all the Way (Rhymes for the Times) (1925)
- The Triumph of Jam (Rhymes for the Times) (1902)
- Egregious Eastbourne (Rhymes for the Times) (1907)
- Sarah Owen (Rhymes for the Times) (1902)
- The Last Horsed 'Bus (Rhymes for the Times) (1925)
- All works by Harry Graham