G.K. Chesterton’s "A Piece of Chalk" and "On Chasing One’s Hat" - Analysis

Term Paper , 2010 , 6 Pages , Grade: Undergraduate 300 Level

American Studies - Literature

English writer G.K. Chesterton gives readers a new outlook on beauty in his two essays, A Piece of Chalk and On Chasing One’s Hat. The author uses irony, imagery and juxtaposition to persuade his audience that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To Chesterton, even the most typical objects or situations can be enjoyed immensely if the audience chooses a more enlightened perspective.

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Introduction
• A Piece of Chalk
• Paragraph One
• Paragraph Two
• Paragraph Four
• On Chasing One's Hat
• Paragraph One

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay analyzes two essays by G.K. Chesterton, "A Piece of Chalk" and "On Chasing One's Hat," to explore his unique perspective on beauty. The author utilizes irony, imagery, and juxtaposition to persuade his audience that beauty is subjective and exists in the eye of the beholder.

• Beauty is subjective and not defined by external opinions.
• Even ordinary objects and situations can be beautiful when viewed with an enlightened perspective.
• The beauty found in nature and childhood can be overlooked by adults focused on material possessions and productivity.
• Destruction can create unexpected beauty.
• The pursuit of beauty should be free from societal pressures and vain ambitions.

Chapter Summaries

Chesterton's "A Piece of Chalk" begins by establishing a nostalgic mood through vivid imagery of a "blue and silver" childhood morning. This sets the stage for the essay's central theme: beauty is defined by the observer, not by societal standards. Chesterton uses the example of a brown paper bag to illustrate this point, contrasting the elderly woman's pragmatic view of its purpose with the adolescent's artistic appreciation. The essay further explores the subjective nature of beauty by mocking the common perception of artistic merit, suggesting that nature itself may be more beautiful than the art it inspires. In "On Chasing One's Hat," Chesterton contrasts the adult's lament over inconveniences with the child's unbridled joy in the same situation. He uses the metaphor of a flooded Battersea, likened to Venice, to highlight the unexpected beauty that can arise from destruction. Chesterton argues that beauty is often overlooked by adults preoccupied with material possessions and societal expectations.

Keywords

The main keywords and topics explored in this essay include: beauty, subjectivity, perception, irony, imagery, juxtaposition, societal standards, nature, childhood, destruction, and enlightened perspective.

• College: The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
• Grade: Undergraduate 300 Level
• Author: Gabriel Sutton (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V209273
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656368601
• ISBN (Book): 9783656368922
• Language: English
• Tags: chesterton’s, piece, chalk, chasing, one’s, analysis