The Naming of Streets
The work critiques the ongoing transformation of London through the demolition of historic architecture and the construction of new buildings, which the author views as lacking character and beauty. The narrative expresses a sense of nostalgia for the old streets and buildings, arguing that their loss diminishes the city's historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The author contends that the new architecture fails to capture the spirit of the current era, resulting in a chaotic amalgamation of styles that do not resonate with the city's identity. The text explores the relationship between names and their bearers, asserting that the significance of a street's name is derived from the character of the street itself rather than the historical figure it may commemorate. The author argues that names do not inherently possess beauty or ugliness; rather, their connotations are shaped by the context in which they are used. This leads to the conclusion that the act of naming streets after notable individuals does not effectively preserve their memory or significance. Through various examples, the author illustrates how the atmosphere of different streets influences personal feelings and behaviors, emphasizing that each street has a unique character that affects those who traverse it. The narrative suggests that the names of streets, much like human names, are ultimately arbitrary and do not encapsulate the essence of the places they designate. The work ultimately posits that the renaming of streets is a futile exercise in commemoration, as the connection between a name and its historical significance is tenuous at best. The author advocates for a more indifferent approach to street naming, suggesting that the focus should be on the lived experience of the streets rather than their historical associations. The critique serves as a reflection on urban development, memory, and the nature of identity within the context of a rapidly changing city.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1920 · Genre: Essay, Satire, Social Commentary · 4,581 words
First lines
'The Rebuilding of London' proceeds ruthlessly apace. The humble old houses that dare not scrape the sky are being duly punished for their timidity. Down they come; and in their place are shot up new tenements, quick and high as rockets. And the little old streets, so narrow and exclusive, so shy and crooked -- we are making an example of them, too. We lose our way in them, do we? -- we whose time is money. Our omnibuses can't trundle through them, can't they? Very well, then. Down with them! We have no use for them. This is the age of 'noble arteries.'
What this Textopian page supports
The Naming of Streets is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Satire, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 4,581 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Naming of Streets by Max Beerbohm
- 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 The Naming of Streets?
- How does this short story by Max Beerbohm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Straight Talk by Max Beerbohm
- The Decline Of The Graces by Max Beerbohm
- Aristotle At Afternoon Tea by Oscar Wilde
- In Homes Unblest 1919 by Max Beerbohm
- On Speaking French 1919 by Max Beerbohm
- Christmas by Max Beerbohm
Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective essay discussing the implications of street naming and urban development in London.
- Satire — The text employs humor and irony to critique modern architecture and societal values regarding urban change.
- Social Commentary — It provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of architecture and urban spaces.
- Philosophical — The author explores deeper meanings of names and their associations, reflecting on identity and perception.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Humor · Irony · Societal Critique · English Literature · 20th Century Literature · Novella · Short Story Collection · Comedy of Manners · Wit