On the Decline of Gentility Among the Young. (Su

Name: On the Decline of Gentility Among the Young. (Suggested by Mr. Max Beerbohm)
Author: Harry Graham

The poem satirizes the decline of traditional values and social norms among young people in the late 19th century. It portrays a generation that has abandoned the conventions of gentility and instead prioritizes self-indulgence, materialism, and superficiality. The speaker describes how young men have lost interest in intellectual pursuits and instead focus on acquiring wealth and status through marriage to wealthy women. They are depicted as being more concerned with their appearance and social standing than with developing their minds or contributing to society. The poem also critiques the rise of a culture that values novelty and excitement over tradition and refinement. The young people described in the poem are portrayed as being easily bored and seeking constant stimulation, leading them to engage in frivolous and superficial pursuits. Throughout the poem, Graham uses irony and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of this new generation. He suggests that their pursuit of wealth and status is ultimately empty and unsatisfying, and that they have lost sight of what truly matters in life.

By Harry Graham · First published 1901 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 571 words

First lines

O youth uncouth, who slouchest by, / Along the crowded public street, / An eyeglass in thy languid eye, / Brown boots upon thy feet, / A loose umbrella in thy grip, / A toothpick pendent from thy lip.

Much I deplore thy clumsy gait, / Thy drab sartorial display, / So wholly inappropriate / To this august highway; / How can a man in such attire / Set any spinster's heart on fire?

Thou art in dress no epicure, / By weight of fashions overladen; / Thy tawdry togs do not allure / The soul of every maiden; / They sound no echoing color-note / To her tempestuous petticoat.

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On the Decline of Gentility Among the Young. (Suggested by Mr. Max Beerbohm) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harry Graham, dated 1901 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor, Cultural Criticism
Length: 571 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Satire — The poem humorously critiques the decline of traditional manners and dress among young men, using wit and irony.
Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, employing rhyme and meter to convey its message.
Social Commentary — It reflects on societal changes and the perceived decline in standards of gentility and fashion.
Humor — The tone is light-hearted and amusing, poking fun at the fashion choices of the youth.