by Chesterton · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
Satirical patriotic poem resisting the Americanisation of British life (‘Britannia needs no Boulevards’), invoking the Dance of Death and a declaration of independence. Themes: nationalism, satire of society, critique of progress.
Connections
Historical References: Dostoevsky, Samuel Johnson
Settings: America, New York, Russia, Europe
Topoi: Dance of Death Themes & Concepts: Nationalism and Patriotism, Satire of Society, Critique of Progress, Nostalgia, Anti-Industrialism, Freedom and Liberty, Economics Forms & Genres: Comic Verse Song, Satire, Epigram
Testo integrale / Full text
AMERICANISATION
Britannia needs no Boulevards,
No spaces wide and gay:
Her march was through the crooked streets
Along the narrow way.
Nor looks she where, New York’s seduction,
The Broadway leadeth to destruction.
Britannia needs no Cafes:
If Coffee needs must be,
Its place should be the Coffee-house
Where Johnson growled for Tea;
But who can hear that human mountain
Growl for an ice-cream soda-fountain?
She needs no Russian Theatrey
Mere Father strangles Mother,
In scenes where all the characters
And colours kill each other—
Her boast is freedom had by halves,
And Britons never shall be Slavs.
But if not hers the Dance of Death,
Great Dostoievsky’s dance,
And if the things most finely French
Are better done in France—
Might not Americanisation
Be best applied to its own nation?
Ere every shop shall be a store
And every Trade a Trust …
Lo, many men in many lands
Know when their cause is just.
There will be quite a large attendance
When we Declare our Independence.