The Game of Cards by Hilaire Belloc
This satirical novel explores the world of politics through a game of cards, where players take on roles and make decisions that reflect real-world political maneuvering. The story follows a group of politicians who use their skills to outmaneuver each other in pursuit of power. Along the way, they engage in backroom deals, manipulate public opinion, and exploit loopholes to achieve their goals.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1908 · Genre: Fiction, Short Story, Humor · 3,004 words
First lines
A youth of no more than twenty-three years entered a first-class carriage at the famous station of Swindon in the county of Wiltshire, proposing to travel to the uttermost parts of the West and to enjoy a comfortable loneliness while he ruminated upon all things human and divine; when he was sufficiently annoyed to discover that in the further corner of the carriage was sitting an old gentleman of benevolent appearance, or at any rate a gentleman of benevolent appearance who appeared in his youthful eyes to be old.
What this Textopian page supports
The Game of Cards is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Humor, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,004 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Game of Cards 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 Game of Cards?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Luck by Mark Twain
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story involving characters and events that are not real.
- Short Story — The work is concise and focuses on a single incident or series of linked incidents.
- Humor — The story contains elements of wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters.
- Drama — The plot involves tension and conflict, particularly in the card game and its consequences.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Romance · Coming of Age · Young Adult · Philosophical