The Elephant by Hilaire Belloc
This narrative revolves around a young boy who encounters an elephant on his way to school. The story explores the boy's fascination with the elephant and his attempts to communicate with it. As the encounter unfolds, the boy learns about the elephant's size, strength, and gentle nature.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature · 35 words
First lines
When people call this beast to mind, They marvel more and more At such a +_LITTLE_+ tail behind, So _LARGE_ a trunk before.
What this Textopian page supports
The Elephant 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, Humor, Children's Literature
- Length: 35 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Elephant 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 Elephant?
- 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
- The Parrot And The Cuckoo by Oliver Herford
- The Lion by Hilaire Belloc
- The Untutored Giraffe by Oliver Herford
- The Birds by Hilaire Belloc
- The Porcupine by Hilaire Belloc
- The Big Baboon by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter.
- Humor — The poem employs wit and irony, focusing on the amusing contrast between the elephant's large trunk and small tail.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and simple language make it accessible and appealing to a younger audience.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Poetry · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Rhyming Verse · Whimsy · Fantasy · Realism · Symbolism