The Captain of Industry
This novel portrays the rise and fall of a wealthy industrialist who becomes disillusioned with his own success and the social consequences that come with it. The story explores themes of capitalism, morality, and the corrupting influence of power.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1909 · Genre: Satire, Fable, Allegory · 2,592 words
First lines
The heir of the merchant Mahmoud had not disappointed that great financier while he still lived, and when he died he had the satisfaction of seeing the young man, now twenty-five years of age, successfully conducting his numerous affairs, and increasing (fabulous as this may seem) the millions with which his uncle entrusted him.
Shortly after Mahmoud's death the prosperity of the firm had already given rise to a new proverb, and men said: "Do you think I am Mahmoud's-Nephew? " when they were asked to lend money or in some other way to jeopardize a few coppers in the service of God or their neighbour.
What this Textopian page supports
The Captain of Industry is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fable, Allegory, Comedy, Parable
- Length: 2,592 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Captain of Industry 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 The Captain of Industry?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Gilded Age Volume 2 by Mark Twain
- A Few Kind Words To Mammon by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique the financial world and societal norms, particularly through the absurdity of the protagonist's situation.
- Fable — The story uses fictional characters and a moral lesson to convey truths about human nature and the folly of greed.
- Allegory — The plot and characters symbolize broader themes of wealth, power, and deception, reflecting societal and moral issues.
- Comedy — The text contains elements of humor and wit, especially in the depiction of the protagonist's silent success and the reactions of those around him.
Tags
Social Commentary · Satire · Critique of Capitalism · Economic Satire · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Biographical Fiction · Historical Fiction · 19th Century Setting · Industrialization Era · Class Struggle · Social Hierarchy · Capitalist Critique