The Epigrammatist by Oliver Herford

Name: The Epigrammatist
Author: Oliver Herford

The work presents a satirical exploration of two types of individuals: an entomologist who captures butterflies for study and a poet who captures fleeting thoughts to craft verses. The entomologist's actions, while seemingly cruel, are portrayed with a sense of detachment, as he meticulously labels his specimens. In contrast, the poet's method of capturing thoughts is depicted as a more insidious form of torment, as he forces them into structured rhymes, often to the annoyance of the reader. The narrator expresses a preference for the entomologist's approach over the poet's, suggesting that the latter's insistence on sharing his work is more bothersome than the former's scientific pursuits. This commentary reflects a broader critique of artistic expression and the burdens it can impose on others. The juxtaposition of the two figures serves to highlight the tension between the appreciation of art and the discomfort it can evoke, ultimately questioning the value of both pursuits. The work employs humor and irony to convey its message, using light-hearted language to address deeper themes of creativity, ownership of ideas, and the impact of artistic endeavors on society. The narrator's disdain for the poet's relentless output suggests a commentary on the nature of creativity itself, raising questions about the ethics of artistic expression and the responsibilities of the creator towards their audience. Overall, the piece encapsulates a playful yet critical examination of the roles of both the scientist and the artist, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with creativity and the ways in which it can both enlighten and irritate.

By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 216 words

First lines

I know an entomologist Who thinks it not a sin To catch a harmless butterfly, And stick it, with a pin, Upon a piece of paper white, And underneath the same, In letters large and plain, to write The creature's Latin name.

I know another little man Who catches, now and then, A microscopic little thought And goads it, with a pen, To rhyme, until we wonder quite How it can keep so tame, And why he never fails to write Beneath (in _full_) his name.

If you should ask me to decide The which of them I'd rate The greater torment of the two I should not hesitate.

It's wicked with a pin to bore A butterfly -- but then, I loathe the other fellow more, Who bores me with his pen.

What this Textopian page supports

The Epigrammatist is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, 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: Oliver Herford
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Literary Fiction, Philosophical
Length: 216 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Humor — The poem uses wit and satire to critique the behavior of entomologists and writers, showcasing a humorous perspective.
Satire — The poem satirizes the act of capturing both butterflies and thoughts, highlighting the absurdity in both practices.
Literary Fiction — The work explores themes of creativity and the nature of artistic expression, typical of literary fiction.