Lines to a Don by Hilaire Belloc
The poem explores the theme of aging and mortality through the eyes of a man who has lived a long life and is now reflecting on his experiences. The speaker describes himself as a don, an old man with a worn-out body, but still possessing a sharp mind and a deep understanding of the world. The poem is written in a humorous tone, with the speaker poking fun at his own age and infirmities, while also expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance about the inevitability of death. The language is witty and engaging, with clever wordplay and satire that adds to the overall comedic effect. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the idea of legacy and how he will be remembered after his passing. He wonders if anyone will notice his absence or care about his accomplishments, and whether his life has made any meaningful impact on the world. Ultimately, the poem is a commentary on the human condition, highlighting the absurdities and contradictions of aging and mortality. It is a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be alive and to leave a lasting legacy.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1911 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism · 558 words
First lines
Remote and ineffectual Don That dared attack my Chesterton, With that poor weapon, half-impelled, Unlearnt, unsteady, hardly held, Unworthy for a tilt with men -- Your quavering and corroded pen; Don poor at Bed and worse at Table, Don pinched, Don starved, Don miserable; Don stuttering, Don with roving eyes, Don nervous, Don of crudities; Don clerical, Don ordinary, Don self-absorbed and solitary; Don here-and-there, Don epileptic; Don puffed and empty, Don dyspeptic; Don middle-class, Don sycophantic, Don dull, Don brutish, Don pedantic; Don hypocritical, Don bad, Don furtive, Don three-quarters mad; Don (since a man must make an end), Don that shall never be my friend.
What this Textopian page supports
Lines to a Don is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism, Character Study, Humor
- Length: 558 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lines to a Don 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 Lines to a Don?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To Lord Thurlow by Lord Byron
- An Epigram Addressed To The Gentlemen Reflected On In The Rosciad A Poem By The Author by Oliver Goldsmith
- The Wrong Floor by Oliver Herford
- To A Vers Librist by Franklin P. Adams
- Lines On A Typewriter by James Mcintyre
- Prelude Childish Complaints by Harry Graham
Genres
- Satire — The poem employs humor and irony to criticize and mock the subject, a Don, through exaggerated and humorous descriptions.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Literary Criticism — The poem critiques the Don's intellectual and personal qualities, reflecting a form of literary criticism.
- Character Study — The poem provides a detailed and vivid portrayal of the Don's character, focusing on his flaws and peculiarities.
Tags
Poetry · Satire · Humor · Verse · Don Juan · Parody · Literary · Classical · English · Language · Wordplay · Rhetoric