The Dentist by Harry Graham (1908)

Name: The Dentist
Author: Harry Graham

This satirical novel portrays a dentist who is cruel and sadistic, using his profession to exact revenge on his patients for the suffering they inflict on him in their daily lives. The story explores themes of revenge, power dynamics, and the darker aspects of human nature.

By Harry Graham · First published 1908 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Poetry · 461 words

First lines

What a dangerous trade is the dentist's! With what perils he has to contend, As he plunges his paws In the gibbering jaws Of some trusting but terrified friend, With the risk that before he is ten minutes older His arms may be bitten off short at the shoulder!

He is born in the West, is the dentist, And he speaks with a delicate twang, When polite as a prince, He requests you to "rinse," After gently removing a fang. ('Tis to save wear-and-tear to the mouth, one supposes, That dentists consistently talk through their noses.)

What this Textopian page supports

The Dentist is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harry Graham, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Humor, Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary
Length: 461 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Dentist by Harry Graham
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Harry Graham fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Humor — The poem uses wit and humor to describe the experiences and characteristics of a dentist, employing playful language and amusing scenarios.
Satire — The work satirizes the profession of dentistry, highlighting its quirks and challenges in a light-hearted manner.
Poetry — The structure and style of the text are poetic, with rhyming lines and a rhythmic flow.
Social Commentary — The poem offers commentary on societal perceptions of dentists, addressing stereotypes and social norms.