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Unit 31: G.K. Chesterton-On Lying In Bed ...

• The second part of Chesterton’s essay displays his next theory on human nature. This second Notes
theory, that humans promote unimportant values and cheapen important values, is shown
by examples in the next part of the essay. He interweaves this theory into the essay again by
using the example of lying in bed. He demonstrates that people have begun to believe that
lying in bed is worthless, while in fact, it is vital to life to lie in bed at some point.
• Likewise, people in modern society have priorities jumbled. Some people now believe that it
is more important to make money than to work hard. They believe that supporting one’s self
is more important than helping others. If these people would read this essay, they would
realize that their values are mixed, and that in the end, they will regret it because they will
feel unfulfilled.
• The third and final part of Chesterton’s essay deals with his idea that life has become a
monotonous task for some people. He shows this by demonstrating that it is more beneficial
to lie in bed spontaneously than to lie in bed after examining the pros and cons of it. He
states that it can be detrimental to maintain the same routine without surprises.
• Similarly, people today live a mechanical life. This part of human nature can be found even
in myself. Often, I find myself repeating the same schedule for weeks. Soon, I realize that my
life has become very boring. This essay shows that when something spontaneous is done in
my life, it will become more exciting.
• In short, G. K. Chesterton’s essay, On Lying in Bed, demonstrates his complete understanding
of humans and their nature. He does this by showing the three parts of his theory on human
nature. First of all, humans are unable to find items that are in obvious locations. Secondly,
people have begun to mix order of priorities. Finally, people live terribly mechanical lives.
By showing his theory, people in the modern world are able to read his essay and improve
their lives.

31.3 Key-Words

1. Didacticism : Morally Instructive.
2. Hypocritical : A person who pretends to have virtue.
31.4 Review Questions

1. Briefly explain the life and works of G.K. Chesterton.
2. Discuss Chesterton’s views On Lying in Bed.

Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i)(c) (ii)(a) (iii)(b) (iv)(a)
31.5 Further Readings

1. Banshi Dhar, G.K. Chesterton and the twentieth century english essays, S. Chand
and Company Ltd.
2. Randall Paine, The Autobiography of G.K. Chesterten, Ignatius Press, 2006.

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