Poetry · Chapter
C. R. McKay explained
A brief poetic interlude about C.
What happens
A brief poetic interlude about C. R. McKay, a department governor at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago, who muses on the appeal of a simpler, less money-focused life in Michigan.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because the speaker confronts the painful realization that his child’s lov…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Money and Materialism
The poem contrasts the 'dandy posish' of a bank governor with a place where one needn't 'always think dollars,' highlighting the tension between financial duty and freedom from materialism.
- Work and Profession
McKay's role at the Federal Reserve is presented as a prestigious but confining job, set against the desire for a more relaxed, non-professional existence.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker of the poem, reflecting on McKay's position and the allure of a carefree spot in Michigan.
Key passages
“Oh, yes, it’s a dandy posish, But—Well, there’s a spot up in Mich. Where you needn’t wear collars Nor always think dollars Nor argue with two-legged fish.”
Sure, the job is great, but there's a place in Michigan where you can be casual, forget about money, and avoid dealing with difficult people.
The narrator contrasts the formal, money-driven world of banking with an idealized, carefree retreat.
