Newdigate Poem by Hilaire Belloc
The poem explores the theme of a young man's death and its impact on his family and community. It is written in a formal, elegiac style that reflects the speaker's sense of loss and regret. The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of human life.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1899 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Science · 1,243 words
First lines
Hail, Happy Muse, and touch the tuneful string!
The benefits conferred by Science[1] I sing.
Under the kind Examiners' direction[2] / I only write about them in connection / With benefits which the Electric Light / Confers on us; especially at night.
These are my theme, of these my song shall rise.
What this Textopian page supports
Newdigate Poem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Science, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 1,243 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Newdigate Poem by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the scientific and industrial advancements of the time, particularly the electric light, using irony and wit.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and classical allusions.
- Science — The poem discusses scientific concepts related to electricity and its applications, albeit in a satirical manner.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal changes brought by technological progress and critiques the impact on human life and values.
Tags
Poetry · Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · English Literature · 19th Century · Academic · Competition · University · Oxbridge · Elite Culture · Class System