Lines on a Hog by James McIntyre
The poem presents a humorous and satirical take on the concept of a massive hog, weighing one thousand pounds and measuring seven feet nine inches. The speaker reflects on the impracticality and absurdity of such a large pig, suggesting that it is not appealing to consume. The poem contrasts the enjoyment of smaller pigs, which are more desirable for dining, with the exaggerated size of the hog, emphasizing that while some may relish the idea of consuming a large swine, the speaker prefers the more manageable and palatable option of smaller pigs. The tone is light-hearted, using playful language and rhyme to convey the message that bigger is not always better when it comes to food. The work critiques societal norms around consumption and the glorification of excess, ultimately advocating for moderation and practicality in culinary choices.
By James McIntyre · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 91 words
First lines
Weighing one thousand pounds, and measuring seven feet nine inches in length.
Pig had to do some routine work, To make one thousand pounds of pork;
Our stomach it doth not incline, To eat a hog seven feet nine.
On smaller pig we love to dine, And it we do enjoy so fine, For big fat hog we don't repine, Let others eat enormous swine.
What this Textopian page supports
Lines on a Hog is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Animal Literature, Food Writing
- Length: 91 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lines on a Hog by James McIntyre
- 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 Lines on a Hog?
- How does this poem by James McIntyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Lines On Gunn by James Mcintyre
- Lines Read At A Maple Sugar Social by James Mcintyre
- Lines On Thorold by James Mcintyre
- Ensilage by James Mcintyre
- Wooden Leg by James Mcintyre
- Lines On Removal by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses humor to convey the absurdity of a large hog and the preference for smaller pigs.
- Satire — The poem critiques societal norms regarding food preferences and the absurdity of excess.
- Animal Literature — The subject matter focuses on a hog, exploring themes related to animals and their role in human life.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humorous Poetry · Agricultural Theme · Animal Imagery · Satire · Irony · Dark Humor · Rural Setting · Farm Life · Literary Satire