The Gourmand by Harry Graham (1909)
This novel satirizes the excesses of Victorian society through a character who embodies the extremes of gluttony and hedonism. The story revolves around his outrageous behavior, which serves to critique the social norms of the time.
By Harry Graham · First published 1909 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Humor · 1,166 words
First lines
(_A Ballad of Reading Grill_)
He did not wear his swallow-tail, But a simple dinner-coat; For once his spirits seemed to fail, And his fund of anecdote. His brow was drawn and damp and pale, And a lump stood in his throat.
What this Textopian page supports
The Gourmand is listed on Textopian as a novel by Harry Graham, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Harry Graham
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary, Gastronomy
- Length: 1,166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gourmand 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Gourmand?
- How does this novel by Harry Graham fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Man Who Knows by Harry Graham
- The Happy Journalist by Hilaire Belloc
- Barts Club by Harry Graham
- Pity The Poor Guest Of Honor by Oliver Herford
- Description Of An Authors Bedchamber by Oliver Goldsmith
- A Little Talk About Mobs by O. Henry
Genres
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the excesses and absurdities of gourmet dining and social class distinctions.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its narrative and themes.
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and comedic elements to entertain and highlight the ridiculousness of the protagonist's dining experiences.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal norms and behaviors related to class and consumption, offering a critique of these practices.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Food · Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Gastronomy · Culinary Delights · Wit · Sarcasm · Irony · Dark Comedy
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