The Ballad of the Solemn Ass (Carmina Festiva)
This collection of poems explores themes of nature, morality, and the human condition through a series of humorous and satirical verses. The tone is often ironic and playful, using absurdity to comment on societal norms and conventions.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Fable · 877 words
First lines
Come all ye good Centurions and wise men of the times, You've made a Poet Laureate, now you must hear his rhymes.
Extend your ears and I'll respond by shortening up my tale: -- Man cannot live by verse alone, he must have cakes and ale.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the Solemn Ass (Carmina Festiva) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Fable, Humor, Allegory
- Length: 877 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ballad of the Solemn Ass (Carmina Festiva) by Henry Van Dyke
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique and mock the solemnity and dissatisfaction of the titular ass.
- Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and delivers a moral lesson about contentment and cheerfulness.
- Humor — The tone and style are light-hearted and comedic, aiming to entertain through wit and amusing scenarios.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Satire · Humor · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Verse Novel · Animal Story · Comedy of Manners · Social Commentary · Critique of Society