Poetry · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

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Chapter 1
Clever Class Poem
A nostalgic poem celebrating the Class of Nineteen-One, recounting the personalities and achievements of each classmate as they prepare to graduate.
Chapter 2
In the Wake of the News
A collection of humorous verses and reflections on baseball, journalism, and family life, blending satire with affectionate observations.
Chapter 3
Opening Chorus
The narrator bids farewell to a wide array of friends, acquaintances, and places, signaling a departure from a lively, wandering lifestyle.
Chapter 4
A Split Century
A poetic parody of Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' this chapter uses baseball imagery to depict a tense at-bat where the batter, Zim, silently takes a called third strike, splitting the century and highlighting themes of stoicism and miscommunication.
Chapter 5
Monday
The narrator explains why the Monday column is shorter than usual, recounting a conversation with a friend and a directive from his boss to take one day off per week from writing the full 'Wake' column.

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