Poetry · Chapter
Conrad H. Poppenhusen explained
A brief poetic tribute to Conrad H.
What happens
A brief poetic tribute to Conrad H. Poppenhusen, a Chicago lawyer known for his eloquent courtroom language and his ability to speak plainly and effectively at Old Ellum.
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
- Work and Profession
Highlights the professional skill and versatility of a lawyer who adapts his language to different settings.
Characters to notice
- Conrad H. Poppenhusen
A Chicago lawyer praised for his Ciceronian courtroom oratory and his straightforward communication at Old Ellum.
Key passages
“They say he spills language in court Of a most Ciceronian sort, But out at Old Ellum, He’s able to tell ’em The statutes in words that are short.”
He is reputed to use eloquent, classical language in court, yet at Old Ellum he can explain the law in simple, direct terms.
Contrasts the lawyer's formal courtroom rhetoric with his plain-spoken communication elsewhere.
