The Python by Hilaire Belloc (1909)
This satirical novel tells the story of a young boy who is sent to live with his uncle, a wealthy and eccentric man, at his country estate. The uncle's household is run by a strict and tyrannical butler, who exercises complete control over the family's lives. The novel explores themes of class, social status, and the effects of wealth on relationships. It also satirizes the British upper class and their values.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature · 135 words
First lines
A Python I should not advise, -- / It needs a doctor for its eyes, / And has the measles yearly.
However, if you feel inclined / To get one (to improve your mind, / And not from fashion merely), / Allow no music near its cage; / And when it flies into a rage / Chastise it, most severely.
I had an aunt in Yucatan / Who bought a Python from a man / And kept it for a pet.
She died, because she never knew / These simple little rules and few; --
Similar titles
- The Lion by Hilaire Belloc
- The Porcupine by Hilaire Belloc
- The Prodigal Centipede by Oliver Herford
- The Crumbs On The Table by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Elephant by Hilaire Belloc
- Master Cherry Gives The Wood Away by Carlo Collodi
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses absurdity and irony, particularly in the advice given about keeping a python, to create a humorous effect.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and whimsical subject matter are typical of literature aimed at children.
- Fable — The narrative imparts a moral lesson about the consequences of ignorance, similar to a fable.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Fantasy · Animal · Talking Animal · Snake · Mythology · Legend · Fable
What this Textopian page supports
The Python is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature, Fable
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Python by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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