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.

What this Textopian page supports

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: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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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.