Sarah Owen (Rhymes for the Times)

Name: Sarah Owen (Rhymes for the Times)
Author: Harry Graham

The poem is a satirical commentary on the societal changes brought about by World War I. It critiques the complacency and superficiality of the upper class during wartime, while also highlighting the struggles faced by working-class individuals. The poem's tone is biting and sarcastic, using irony to convey its message.

By Harry Graham · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Historical · 330 words

First lines

[A provincial schoolmaster wrote to the _Daily Mail_ to say that / he had canvassed his employees on the subject of the Insurance / Bill and found that out of forty-two domestics only one -- 'Sarah / Owen, sewing-maid' -- was in favour of the Servant Tax.]

Come, children, gather round and hark / To my entrancing tale! / For though you've heard of Joan of Arc, / Of brave Grace Darling in her barque, / Of Florence Nightingale, / Not one of these such nerve displayed / As Sarah Owen, sewing-maid!

Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

Sarah Owen (Rhymes for the Times) 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: Poetry, Satire, Historical, Social Commentary, Humor
Length: 330 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Sarah Owen (Rhymes for the Times) by Harry Graham
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

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Satire — The poem humorously critiques societal attitudes towards the Insurance Bill, using irony and exaggeration.
Historical — References to historical figures and events provide context and contrast to the narrative.
Social Commentary — The poem comments on social issues, particularly the reaction to the Insurance Bill and class dynamics.