On a House by Hilaire Belloc (1909)
The story revolves around a house that has been built on a hillside and is being threatened by the forces of nature. The house is described as being in a precarious state, with its foundations crumbling and its walls cracking. As the seasons change, the house becomes increasingly unstable, and the family who lives there must navigate the challenges of living in such a fragile environment. The narrative explores themes of decay, impermanence, and the struggle to maintain order in the face of chaos. Throughout the story, the author uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that even the most seemingly solid structures can be vulnerable to the forces of nature.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1909 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Domestic Fiction · 2,735 words
First lines
I appeal loudly to the Muse of History (whose name I forget and you never knew) to help me in the description of this house, for --
The Muse of Tragedy would overstrain herself on it;
What this Textopian page supports
On a House is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 2,735 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On a House 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 On a House?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The text employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and domestic life, evident in the exaggerated descriptions and the playful invocation of the Muses.
- Comedy — The narrative contains elements of light-heartedness and wit, particularly in the humorous portrayal of the house and its furnishings.
- Domestic Fiction — The focus on the detailed description of a house and its rooms reflects themes common in domestic fiction, exploring the nuances of home life.
- Historical Fiction — The text references historical figures and events, such as Horace and Prince Albert, providing a historical context to the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Household Life · Domesticity · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Class Satire · Economic Commentary · Social Hierarchy · Critique of Wealth