The Public by Hilaire Belloc (1900)
This novel explores the lives of a group of people living in a small town, focusing on their relationships and interactions with one another. The story delves into themes of community, morality, and social hierarchy, highlighting the complexities of human nature. Through the characters' experiences, the novel critiques societal norms and expectations, revealing the tensions between individual desires and collective responsibilities.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1900 · Genre: Essay, Social Commentary, Philosophy · 2,298 words
First lines
I notice a very curious thing in the actions particularly of business men to-day, and of other men also, which is the projection outward from their own inward minds of something which is called "The Public"-and which is not there.
What this Textopian page supports
The Public is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Social Commentary, Philosophy, Satire, Non-fiction
- Length: 2,298 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Public 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 Public?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- On Titles by Hilaire Belloc
- General Elections by Max Beerbohm
- Hosts And Guests 1918 by Max Beerbohm
- On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying by Mark Twain
- Reality by Hilaire Belloc
- The Epigrammatist by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective and analytical piece discussing societal perceptions and misconceptions about 'The Public.'
- Social Commentary — The text critiques modern societal attitudes and the disconnect between individuals and the collective notion of 'The Public.'
- Philosophy — The work delves into philosophical musings on the nature of public opinion and individual responsibility.
- Satire — The writing employs a satirical tone to highlight the absurdity of certain societal beliefs and behaviors.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · Society · Critique · Humor · Irony · Fiction · Novel · Philosophical · Observational · Wit