What's in a Name? by Harry Graham

Name: What's in a Name?
Author: Harry Graham

The poem is a satirical commentary on the societal obsession with names and titles. It argues that a name alone does not determine one's worth or character. The speaker presents various examples of individuals with prestigious-sounding names who are actually unremarkable, while others with humble names possess exceptional qualities. The poem pokes fun at the notion that a name can elevate someone to a higher social status.

By Harry Graham · First published 1927 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 358 words

First lines

[Lord Lincolnshire pointed out that Britain's glory has always / depended very largely upon men whose names suggest no historical / associations; upon the Browns and the McGhees, as well as upon / the Willoughbys, the Talbots, and the Cecils.]

In praise of many a noble name, / Let lesser poets chaunt a paean; / The deathless fame will I proclaim / Of others, more plebeian. / Let minstrels sing of Montagues, / Of Scots and Brabazons and Percys, / While lovers of the Muse (or Meux) / On Lambtons base their verses. / My lyre, which neither mocks nor mimics, / Shall laud the humbler patronymics.

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What's in a Name? is listed on Textopian as a poem by Harry Graham, dated 1927 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1927 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor
Length: 358 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Work identity for What's in a Name? by Harry Graham
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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and the importance placed on noble names.
Social Commentary — The themes address class distinctions and the value of common versus noble names, reflecting on societal values.
Humor — The playful tone and witty comparisons provide comedic elements throughout the work.