The Dodo by Hilaire Belloc (1907)
This satirical poem tells the story of a group of birds who are introduced to humans and ultimately driven to extinction due to their trusting nature and lack of fear. The poem critiques human behavior and societal norms, highlighting the dangers of complacency and the consequences of unchecked progress.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 64 words
First lines
The Dodo used to walk around, And take the sun and air.
The sun yet warms his native ground --
The Dodo is not there!
The voice which used to squawk and squeak Is now for ever dumb --
What this Textopian page supports
The Dodo is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Satire
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dodo 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 Dodo?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Learned Fish by Hilaire Belloc
- The Porcupine by Hilaire Belloc
- The Unfortunate Giraffe by Oliver Herford
- The Scorpion by Hilaire Belloc
- The Frog by Hilaire Belloc
- The Spiders Tale by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and simple language suggest it is intended for a younger audience.
- Humor — The whimsical and lighthearted depiction of the extinct dodo bird adds a humorous element.
- Satire — The work subtly critiques human tendencies to memorialize the past, typical of satirical writing.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fable · Satire · Poetry · Rhyme · Humor · Social Commentary · Critique of Human Nature · Animal Story · Historical Fiction · Educational · Illustrated Book