Algernon by Hilaire Belloc (1906)
The story revolves around a young boy who befriends a talking ape and together they concoct a plan to kidnap the boy's sister. The ape's intelligence and cunning are matched by his innocence and good nature, leading to a series of events that ultimately lead to their downfall.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Humor, Cautionary Tale · 96 words
First lines
_Who played with a Loaded Gun, and, on missing his Sister was reprimanded by his Father._
Young Algernon, the Doctor's Son, Was playing with a Loaded Gun.
He pointed it towards his sister, Aimed very carefully, but Missed her!
His Father, who was standing near, The Loud Explosion chanced to Hear, And reprimanded Algernon For playing with a Loaded Gun.
What this Textopian page supports
Algernon is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Humor, Cautionary Tale, Satire
- Length: 96 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Algernon by Hilaire Belloc
- 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 Algernon?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dromedary by Hilaire Belloc
- Sir Ippykin by Oliver Herford
- Franklin Hyde by Hilaire Belloc
- Lord Lundy by Hilaire Belloc
- Mr Gupperducks Mishap by Herbert Jenkins
- The Clowns Reply by Oliver Goldsmith
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work is a short, rhyming poem intended for children, with a moral lesson.
- Humor — The poem uses dark humor to convey its message, with a playful tone despite the serious subject matter.
- Cautionary Tale — The narrative serves as a warning about the dangers of playing with firearms, typical of cautionary tales.
- Satire — The exaggerated scenario and the father's mild reprimand suggest a satirical take on parental responses to dangerous behavior.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Satire · Social Commentary · Comedy · Literary Fiction · English Literature · 20th Century Literature · Humor · Wit · Intellectualism · Class Satire