The Reason by Norman Gale (1910)
The narrative centers on Arthur Hoare, a character who experiences a sudden surge of emotions and erratic behavior following a significant achievement—receiving his "Blue," a prestigious recognition in sports. This accomplishment triggers a series of impulsive actions that reflect his exuberance and perhaps a sense of invincibility. Initially, Arthur's actions are celebratory yet reckless; he gives away a sovereign to his scout, showcasing a carefree attitude. His subsequent act of throwing a hard-boiled egg at Eustace Ling illustrates a shift from joy to aggression, indicating a volatile emotional state. The egg, a symbol of fragility, contrasts with Arthur's harshness, suggesting that his triumph has not only elevated him but also distorted his judgment. As the narrative progresses, Arthur's fury escalates, leading him to destroy his old oak chairs. This act of burning furniture signifies a rejection of the past and a desire to assert his newfound identity. The destruction is irrational, emphasizing the theme of how success can lead to destructive behavior when not tempered with self-awareness. Arthur's treatment of the "timorous Celt" further highlights his aggressive demeanor. The Celt's fear to express himself juxtaposes Arthur's brashness, illustrating the impact of Arthur's triumph on those around him. The character's actions serve as a commentary on the nature of success and its potential to corrupt or distort one's character. Overall, the work explores themes of pride, the duality of success, and the consequences of unchecked emotions. Arthur's journey reflects the complexities of human behavior in the face of achievement, revealing how glory can lead to both celebration and chaos.
By Norman Gale · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 145 words
First lines
Now why did Arthur Hoare pull out A sovereign with a happy shout And give it rashly to his scout, Who almost had a fit?
Why of a sudden did he fling A hard-boiled egg at Eustace Ling, Forgetting how an egg can sting The person who is hit?
Why after dinner did he turn In fury on his room, and burn His old oak chairs with unconcern? -- A stupid thing to do!
And why so harshly did he pelt With forks a fresh and timorous Celt Afraid to utter what he felt? _Arthur had got his Blue! _
What this Textopian page supports
The Reason is listed on Textopian as a poem by Norman Gale, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Norman Gale
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Literary Fiction, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The absurdity of the actions and the playful tone suggest a humorous intent.
- Satire — The poem critiques social behavior and norms through exaggerated scenarios.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character actions and emotional responses aligns with literary fiction themes.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · Psychological Insight · Mystery · Thriller · Literary Fiction · Thought-Provoking · Emotional Depth · Complex Characters · Morality · Ethics · Human Nature