The Bison by Hilaire Belloc (1906)
This work is a satirical novel that critiques the British class system and social hierarchy of the time. It follows the story of a young man who becomes infatuated with a bison he sees in a zoo, and his subsequent descent into madness. The novel explores themes of class, identity, and the absurdity of societal norms.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature · 53 words
First lines
The Bison is vain, and (I write it with pain) The Door-mat you see on his head
Is not, as some learned professors maintain, The opulent growth of a genius' brain;
But is sewn on with needle and thread.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bison is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature, Satire
- Length: 53 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bison 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 The Bison?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter.
- Humor — The content is light-hearted and satirical, poking fun at the bison's vanity.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and simple language suggest it is suitable for a younger audience.
- Satire — The poem uses humor to critique or mock the subject, in this case, the bison's appearance.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Historical Fiction · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Wildlife Fiction