A Rebuke by Thomas Burke (1928)
The work presents a critical monologue directed at an individual who embodies a facade of respectability and authority. The speaker observes the subject's outward appearance, which suggests a person of high status—perhaps a government official or a figure of moral standing. The description emphasizes the subject's physical traits, such as a prominent belly and a haughty demeanor, which contribute to an impression of self-importance. However, the speaker quickly dismantles this illusion by revealing the truth behind the subject's wealth and status. The critique centers on the exploitation of child labor, highlighting the moral hypocrisy of the subject who enjoys the fruits of this labor while presenting himself as a figure of dignity. The speaker's tone is assertive and confrontational, challenging the subject to reconsider the source of his perceived nobility. The work explores themes of social justice, the disparity between appearance and reality, and the ethical implications of one's status in society. It serves as a rebuke not only to the individual but also to the societal structures that allow such exploitation to persist. The speaker's protest is a call for accountability and a reminder that true worth is not determined by outward appearances or societal accolades, but by the ethical choices one makes.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1928 · Genre: Social Commentary, Satire, Poetry · 241 words
First lines
Excuse me, Mister, if I enter a gentle protest About the manner in which you comport yourself When taking the air about the streets. For, looking at you, one would form the opinion That you were a man of much worth and nobility, That you were high in officialdom, A councillor of the king or a learned judge, Or one whose piety and wisdom Had marked him out to sit above his fellow.
One would think thus to see the swinging arms, The slow protuberant belly sheathed in a vest of scarlet, And the gold chain of Albert, the great Consort; To see the haughty head, the portly mien, The solemn gait, and the complacency with which you view the world.
What this Textopian page supports
A Rebuke is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas Burke, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Commentary, Satire, Poetry, Character Study, Realism
- Length: 241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Rebuke by Thomas Burke
- 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 A Rebuke?
- How does this essay by Thomas Burke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Commentary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Breaking Point by Thomas Burke
- The House Of Martha by Frank R. Stockton
- Mulhollands Contract by Rudyard Kipling
- Only Temper by George Eliot
- He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope
- Sudden Calm by George Macdonald
Genres
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques social hierarchies and the false perceptions of nobility.
- Satire — It employs humor and irony to mock the pretensions of a seemingly respectable figure.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Character Study — Focuses on the character's demeanor and societal role, revealing deeper themes of morality.
Tags
rebuke · criticism · conflict · morality · human nature · society · relationships · drama · tension · redemption · consequences · emotional