Absent-Mindedness (Ruthless Rhymes)
The collection of poems satirizes the social conventions and hypocrisies of Victorian England through absurd and humorous rhymes. It critiques societal norms, politics, and morality with a focus on the upper class. The tone is mocking and ironic, using humor to highlight the contradictions between appearance and reality.
By Harry Graham · First published 1902 · Genre: Dark Comedy, Satire, Poetry · 134 words
First lines
Absent-minded Edward Brown Drove his lady into town; Suddenly the horse fell down! Mrs. Ned (Newly wed) Threw a fit and lay for dead.
Edward, lacking in resource, Chafed the fetlocks of his horse, Sitting with unpleasant force (Just like lead) On the head Of the prostrate Mrs. Ned.
She demanded a divorce, Jealous of the favoured horse. Edward had it shot, of course.
Years have sped; She and Ned Drive a motor now instead.
What this Textopian page supports
Absent-Mindedness (Ruthless Rhymes) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Harry Graham, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Dark Comedy, Satire, Poetry, Humor, Tragedy
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Absent-Mindedness (Ruthless Rhymes) by Harry Graham
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- 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 Absent-Mindedness (Ruthless Rhymes)?
- How does this poem by Harry Graham fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Dark Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Target Practice by Oliver Herford
- Camouflage by Oliver Herford
- To The Publisher by Oliver Herford
- A Plea For Ponto Rhymes For The Times by Harry Graham
- The Fumbler by Harry Graham
- A Suggestion Rhymes For The Times by Harry Graham
Genres
- Dark Comedy — The poem uses humor in a macabre situation, highlighting absurdity in a darkly comedic manner.
- Satire — The work satirizes societal norms and relationships, using wit to critique human behavior.
- Poetry — The structure and rhyme scheme classify it as a poetic work.
- Humor — The narrative employs humorous elements to entertain and amuse the reader.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Poetry · Ruthless · Dark · Absurdity · Social Commentary · Critique · Sarcasm · Irony · Wordplay · Linguistic Playfulness
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