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Monsieur Le Secretaire. [John Clark Ridpath]
The novel is a satirical comedy of manners that follows the life of Monsieur Le Secretaire, a Frenchman who becomes embroiled in American politics and society during the late 19th century. Monsieur Le Secretaire is a clever and cunning individual who uses his wit and charm to navigate the complexities of American culture. He becomes involved with various politicians and socialites, often using his influence to further his own interests. Throughout the novel, Riley pokes fun at the pretensions and hypocrisies of American society, particularly in regards to politics and social class. The novel is a commentary on the excesses and superficiality of late 19th century America. The character of Monsieur Le Secretaire serves as a satirical foil to the societal norms of the time, highlighting the absurdities and contradictions of American culture.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Epistolary, Romantic · 105 words
First lines
Mon cher Monsieur le Secretaire, / Your song flits with me everywhere; / It lights on Fancy's prow and sings / Me on divinest voyagings: / And when my ruler love would fain / Be laid upon it -- high again / It mounts, and hugs itself from me / With rapturous wings -- still dwindlingly -- / On! -- on! till but a _ghost_ is there / Of song, Monsieur le Secretaire!
Similar titles
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- A Poets Wooing by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Main Street by Joyce Kilmer
- Reluctant Lady by Maxwell Bodenheim
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Epistolary — The text is presented as a letter addressed to 'Monsieur le Secretaire'.
- Romantic — Themes of love and admiration are evident in the language and imagery used.
- Fantasy — The use of imaginative and fanciful elements, such as 'divinest voyagings' and 'rapturous wings,' suggests a departure from reality.
Tags
American Literature · Short Story Collection · Humorous Fiction · Satire · Social Commentary · 19th Century American Writing · Regionalism · Midwestern Literature · Fictionalized Autobiography · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis
What this Textopian page supports
Monsieur Le Secretaire. [John Clark Ridpath] is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Epistolary, Romantic, Fantasy
- Length: 105 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Monsieur Le Secretaire. [John Clark Ridpath] by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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