The Excursion by Hilaire Belloc
This poem is a long narrative that tells the story of a group of people who embark on an excursion to the countryside. The journey begins with a description of the city and its inhabitants, before moving on to the natural world of the countryside. The poem explores themes of nature, morality, and the human condition. It describes the beauty of the natural world, but also touches on darker themes such as death and decay. Throughout the poem, there are references to various mythological and historical figures, which serve to add depth and complexity to the narrative. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature, and the ways in which we interact with and impact the world around us.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1847 · Genre: Travel, Essay, Philosophical · 2,516 words
First lines
It is so old a theme that I really hesitate to touch it; and yet it is so true and so useful that I will. It is true all the time, and it is particularly useful at this season of the year to men in cities: to all repetitive men: to the men that read these words. What is more, true as it is and useful as it is, no amount of hammering at people seems to get this theme into their practice; though it has long ago entered into their convictions they will not act upon it in their summers. And this true and useful theme is the theme of little freedoms and discoveries, the value of getting loose and away by a small trick when you want to get your glimpse of Fairyland.
What this Textopian page supports
The Excursion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1847 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: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel, Essay, Philosophical, Adventure, Autobiographical
- Length: 2,516 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Excursion 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 Excursion?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Travel first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Little Old Man by Hilaire Belloc
- On Bridges by Hilaire Belloc
- The Old Things by Hilaire Belloc
- On Doctor Gardner by James Mcintyre
- The Road by Hilaire Belloc
- The Big Baboon by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Travel — The narrative centers on the theme of exploration and discovery through travel, emphasizing the experience of venturing off the beaten path.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective essay, offering philosophical musings on the nature of travel and personal freedom.
- Philosophical — The text delves into philosophical themes, such as the search for meaning and the concept of freedom through travel.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure, as the protagonist embarks on an unplanned journey, encountering unexpected sights and experiences.
Tags
Poetry · Nonsense Verse · Satire · Social Commentary · Travelogue · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Observational Comedy