rotarians
by Chesterton · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A set of satirical epigrams mocking the Rotary Club’s empty business-praise, using the wheel as emblem of circular argument and St Catherine’s martyrdom for contrast. Satire of commercialism and modern boosterism.
Testo / Text
Connections
Historical References: Declaration of Independence
Settings: America
Characters: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Archetypes: Martyr Saint Motifs: Wheel, Money and Gold Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Martyrdom, Deception, Power of Language, Money and Avarice, Economics Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
Rotarians - (1927)
G.K.Chesterton
The Symbol
The speaking at the Rotary is Praise devoid of Proof
The talking at the Rotary turns mostly on the oof
But both require an Emblem; and a Wheel is just the thing
When you argue in a circle and do business in a Ring.
At a Rotarian Lunch
Broken on another wheel than Rotary
St. Catherine’s body set her spirit free
Here rests the body that the soul may squirm
In all joints broken to a jointless worm.
A Declaration of Dependence
The Jeffersonian justice which
Degenerate hucksters quote
Republicans have had by right
Rotarians by rote.