The Lion by Hilaire Belloc (1902)
This work is a satirical poem that tells the story of a lion who is described as being very small and weak. The poem uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the lion's situation, as it is expected to be a powerful and fearsome creature. The narrative voice is detached and matter-of-fact, which adds to the comedic effect.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fable · 56 words
First lines
The Lion, the Lion, he dwells in the waste, He has a big head and a very small waist; But his shoulders are stark, and his jaws they are grim, And a good little child will not play with him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lion is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fable
- Length: 56 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lion 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 Lion?
- How does this poem by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Python by Hilaire Belloc
- The Big Baboon by Hilaire Belloc
- The Marmozet by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work is a short, rhyming poem intended for children, with a simple structure and moral lesson.
- Humor — The poem uses playful language and exaggeration, such as describing the lion's physical features, to create a humorous effect.
- Fable — The poem imparts a moral lesson about avoiding danger, similar to traditional fables.
Tags
Fable · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Satire · Poetry · Verse Novel · Rhyming Verse · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Cautionary Story · Humor