On Certain Manners and Customs
The work is a collection of essays that examine various social norms and customs prevalent during the time period. It critiques societal expectations and conventions, often with a focus on the hypocrisy and superficiality of upper-class culture. The author argues for a more authentic and genuine approach to life, rejecting the artificialities of polite society.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1906 · Genre: Satire, Political Commentary, Social Critique · 2,360 words
First lines
I was greatly interested in the method of government which I discovered to obtain in the Empire of Monomotapa during my last visit there. I say "during my last visit" because although, as everyone knows, I have repeatedly travelled in the more distant provinces of that State, I had never spent any time to speak of in the capital until I delayed there last month for the purpose of visiting a friend of mine who is one of the State Assessors. He was good enough to explain to me many details of their Constitution which I had not yet grasped, and I conceive it -- now that I have a full comprehension of it -- to be as wise a method of governing as it is a successful one.
What this Textopian page supports
On Certain Manners and Customs is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political Commentary, Social Critique, Fiction, Humor
- Length: 2,360 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for On Certain Manners and Customs by Hilaire Belloc
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and political systems.
- Political Commentary — The narrative explores themes of governance, social hierarchy, and political processes.
- Social Critique — The work examines and critiques social customs and the absurdity of certain societal practices.
- Fiction — The story is set in a fictional empire with imaginative elements and characters.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Critique · Observation · Wit · Irony · Sarcasm · Cultural Analysis · Historical Context · Philosophical Reflection · Literary Style