On a Dog and a Man Also
The narrative revolves around the relationship between a dog and its owner, exploring themes of loyalty, companionship, and the human condition. The story delves into the complexities of their bond, highlighting moments of tenderness and devotion. Through this lens, the text examines the nature of love and attachment in relationships.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story · 2,540 words
First lines
There lives in the middle of the Weald upon the northern edge of a small wood where a steep brow of orchard pasture goes down to a little river, a Recluse who is of middle age and possessed of all the ordinary accomplishments; that is, French and English literature are familiar to him, he can himself compose, he has read his classical Latin and can easily decipher such Greek as he has been taught in youth. He is unmarried, he is by birth a gentleman, he enjoys an income sufficient to give him food and wine, and has for companion a dog who, by the standard of dogs, is somewhat more elderly than himself.
What this Textopian page supports
On a Dog and a Man Also is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story, Satire, Pastoral
- Length: 2,540 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On a Dog and a Man Also by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On a Dog and a Man Also?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Pity The Poor Guest Of Honor by Oliver Herford
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- The Story Teller by Hector Hugh Munro
- To Our Readers by Oliver Herford
- The Little Old Man by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, introspection, and the human condition, typical of literary fiction.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story explores themes of loneliness, companionship, and existential reflection, aligning with philosophical fiction.
- Short Story — The work is concise, focusing on a single event and its impact, characteristic of a short story.
- Satire — The narrative contains elements of irony and critique of societal norms, which are common in satire.
Tags
Satirical · Social Commentary · Poetry · Verse · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Class Satire · Rhetorical Device · Wordplay · Literary Fiction · Nonsense Verse