The Deterrioration of Man
The work presents a satirical commentary on the perceived decline of masculinity and the traditional roles of men and women in society. It begins with a critique of success stories that glorify men who rise from adversity, often attributing their achievements to the support of their wives. The narrator reflects on a time when men were seen as self-sufficient and capable of achieving success through their own efforts, without relying on female assistance. The refrain emphasizes nostalgia for a past era when men were considered strong and independent, contrasting it with the contemporary view that suggests men are now dependent on women for their success. This shift is portrayed as a deterioration of manhood, where reliance on women is seen as a weakness rather than a partnership. Throughout the work, the narrator employs humor and irony to highlight societal changes and the evolving dynamics between genders. The tone oscillates between critical and reflective, questioning the implications of these changes on male identity and societal expectations. The piece ultimately serves as a commentary on gender roles, the nature of success, and the complexities of modern relationships, suggesting that the traditional ideals of masculinity are under threat in a changing world.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1933 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 166 words
First lines
I suppose you've seen in some magazine, These tales of Men's Success: How Alfred Stout, who was down and out, Won wealth and happiness; How Lucius Polk, who was stony broke, Became well fixed for life.
They always say, "I'd be flat today Except for my darling wife."
Refrain: I remember, I remember When Man was quite a guy; When he didn't yelp for female help To get him safely by; When he beat the game and climbed to fame By his courage and acumen.
But now, by gum, if he ain't a bum, It's because of the Little Woman.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deterrioration of Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Humor, Literary Fiction
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Deterrioration of Man by Ring Lardner
- 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 Deterrioration of Man?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- J M Sullivan by Ring Lardner
- Chas Krutchoff by Ring Lardner
- Wm G Edens by Ring Lardner
- Edward B Carson by Ring Lardner
- Geo B Caldwell by Ring Lardner
- Col Geo T Buckingham by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Satire — The work critiques societal norms and expectations regarding masculinity and success.
- Poetry — The text employs a rhythmic and lyrical style, resembling poetic forms.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on the changing roles of men and women in society.
- Humor — The use of wit and irony highlights the absurdities of the subject matter.
Tags
satire · gender roles · masculinity · success · failure · humor · society · critique · relationships · traditional values · cultural commentary · irony