On Mumbo-Jumbo by Hilaire Belloc
The story revolves around a young boy who is sent to live with his uncle on a remote island after being accused of witchcraft. The uncle is a scholar and a mystic who teaches the boy about various forms of magic, including alchemy and astrology. As the boy learns more about these subjects, he becomes increasingly obsessed with gaining ultimate knowledge and power. The uncle's true intentions are revealed to be sinister, as he uses his knowledge to manipulate and control others. The boy is forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1920 · Genre: Political Satire, Essay, Philosophical Literature · 2,561 words
First lines
Mumbo-Jumbo is that department in the ruling of men which is made of dead, false, apparatus; unreasonable; contemptible to the free; unworthy of authority -- and Mumbo-Jumbo is the most necessary ingredient in all government.
All government is by persuasion. Odd it is that so many do not yet see this! Perhaps not so odd after all; for words trick the mind, and the words of government are not the words of persuasion.
What this Textopian page supports
On Mumbo-Jumbo is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Essay, Philosophical Literature, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 2,561 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for On Mumbo-Jumbo by Hilaire Belloc
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On Mumbo-Jumbo?
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Genres
- Political Satire — The text critiques government and authority through humor and irony, focusing on the absurdities of political systems.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective and argumentative piece, exploring the concept of 'Mumbo-Jumbo' in various societal contexts.
- Philosophical Literature — The text delves into philosophical themes about persuasion, authority, and societal norms, questioning the nature of governance and belief.
- Social Commentary — The work provides insights into social structures and behaviors, critiquing the reliance on superficial symbols and rituals.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Cultural Criticism · Philosophical Essay · Humor · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Modernity · Rhetoric · Linguistics · Etymology · Folklore