A Pathetic Imposture

A Pathetic Imposture by Max Beerbohm

The narrative critiques the nature of journalism and the hypocrisy inherent in the writing of newspaper commentary. It begins by reflecting on the ideal of a newspaper that presents news without commentary, suggesting that such a plea could also apply to the commentators themselves. The text argues that the act of writing, particularly in journalism, is often devoid of genuine enthusiasm and is instead a performance of pretense. The author describes the plight of the journalist, who is compelled to produce content rapidly and under pressure, leading to a loss of creativity and passion. This results in a reliance on clichés and formulaic expressions, which serve as disguises for the lack of original thought. The writing style of leader articles is critiqued for its inflated language that obscures meaning, while the modern 'notes' are characterized by their predictable openings and conclusions, further emphasizing the lack of originality. The text presents a satirical view of the journalist's struggle to maintain an appearance of erudition and sprightliness, despite the constraints of their profession. It highlights the absurdity of their reliance on established phrases and references, which ultimately contribute to a culture of insincerity. The author suggests that the commentators have become so entrenched in their roles that they would struggle to survive outside of journalism, proposing a hypothetical law that would ban commentary altogether as a means of liberation. In essence, the work serves as a critique of the journalistic profession, exposing the superficiality and artificiality of commentary writing, while advocating for a return to genuine expression and thought. The author laments the state of modern journalism, portraying it as a breeding ground for hypocrisy and a barrier to authentic communication.

By Max Beerbohm · First published 1918 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary · 1,422 words

First lines

Lord Rosebery once annoyed the Press by declaring that his ideal newspaper was one which should give its news without comment. Doubtless he was thinking of the commonweal. Yet a plea for no comments might be made, with equal force, in behalf of the commentators themselves. Occupations that are injurious to the persons engaged in them ought not to be encouraged. The writing of 'leaders' and 'notes' is one of these occupations. The practice of it, more than of any other, depends on, and fosters hypocrisy, worst of vices. In a sense, every kind of writing is hypocritical. It has to be done with an air of gusto, though no one ever yet enjoyed the act of writing. Even a man with a specific gift for writing, with much to express, with perfect freedom in choice of subject and manner of expression, with indefinite leisure, does not write with real gusto. But in him the pretence is justified: he has enjoyed thinking out his subject, he will delight in his work when it is done. Very different is the pretence of one who writes at top-speed, on a set subject, what he thinks the editor thinks the proprietor thinks the public thinks nice. If he happen to have a talent for writing, his work will be but the more painful, and his hypocrisy the greater. The chances are, though, that the talent has already been sucked out of him by Journalism, that vampire. To her, too, he will have forfeited any fervour he may have had, any learning, any gaiety.

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A Pathetic Imposture is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1918 CE.

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Satire · Comedy · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · English Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Class Satire · Intellectual Humor · Wit

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