Andrew Jones by William Wordsworth

Name: Andrew Jones
Author: William Wordsworth

The work presents a narrative centered on a character named Andrew Jones, who embodies selfishness and moral corruption. The speaker expresses disdain for Andrew, not merely due to his vices of swearing and drinking, but primarily because of a cruel act he committed against a vulnerable individual—a traveling cripple. The cripple, depicted as helpless and alone, struggles to collect coins that have been thrown to him by passersby. The scene is set in a dusty environment, emphasizing the neglect and hardship faced by the cripple. When Andrew encounters the cripple, he seizes a penny that the latter cannot reach, justifying his action with a self-serving interpretation of property rights. His dismissive attitude towards the cripple highlights his lack of empathy and moral integrity. The speaker's condemnation of Andrew extends to a broader concern about the influence he will have on his children, suggesting that they will inherit his predatory behavior. The desire for a press-gang to remove Andrew from the village underscores the speaker's frustration with societal injustices and the need for accountability. The work critiques the moral decay present in society, particularly in the treatment of the weak and the implications of raising children in an environment devoid of compassion.

By William Wordsworth · First published 1798 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Narrative · 354 words

First lines

"I hate that Andrew Jones: he'll breed His children up to waste and pillage.

I wish the press-gang or the drum With its tantara sound, would come And sweep him from the village!"

What this Textopian page supports

Andrew Jones is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Wordsworth, dated 1798 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: William Wordsworth
Date: 1798 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Narrative, Romanticism, Tragedy
Length: 354 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Social Commentary — The poem critiques social behavior and moral values, particularly regarding kindness and selfishness.
Narrative — The poem tells a story involving characters and a moral lesson.
Romanticism — The themes reflect Romantic ideals, focusing on individual experience and emotion.