A Petition to the Queen of England
The work presents a satirical petition addressed to the Queen of England, where the author humorously navigates the complexities of a tax issue related to his literary royalties. The narrative begins with the author recounting his correspondence with a clerk from the Inland Revenue Office, who has informed him of an income tax owed on his book royalties. The author expresses discomfort in dealing with bureaucratic matters and opts to address the Queen directly, believing it to be a more effective approach. As the author elaborates on his background and previous encounters with British officials, he reveals his confusion regarding the tax, initially believing it to be a minor issue. However, upon learning from a friend that the tax is actually a back tax for three years at a higher rate than expected, he becomes increasingly concerned. The author meticulously analyzes the tax document, interpreting its language to argue that he should not be taxed as an author, since authorship is not a trade or an office. He humorously critiques the bureaucratic system, pointing out the absurdity of being categorized alongside trades and industries that do not apply to his work. The author asserts that his brain is his "plant" and that he does not suffer from wear and tear, thus exempting himself from the tax. He employs wit and logic to dismantle the clerk's claims, ultimately requesting the Queen to annul the tax order so that his publisher can withhold the payment. The work serves as a commentary on the absurdities of taxation and bureaucracy, showcasing the author's cleverness and ability to engage with authority through humor and reason. It reflects broader themes of individualism, the relationship between artists and government, and the often convoluted nature of legal and financial systems. The petition concludes with a respectful yet assertive plea for justice, encapsulating the author's unique voice and perspective on the matter.
By Mark Twain · First published 1897 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Epistolary · 2,208 words
First lines
HARTFORD: _Nov. 6, 1887_.
What this Textopian page supports
A Petition to the Queen of England is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Epistolary, Political Commentary, Non-fiction
- Length: 2,208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The work critiques government bureaucracy and taxation through humor and irony.
- Humor — The writing employs comedic elements and absurdity in the portrayal of the tax situation.
- Epistolary — The book is structured as a letter addressed to the Queen, fitting the epistolary format.
- Political Commentary — It offers insights into the relationship between authors and government taxation policies.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · Humor · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Monarchy · English History · 19th Century Literature · American Literature · Anti-Imperialism · Patriotism