Poetry · Chapter
David Copland explained
A brief, humorous poem directed at David Copland, Vice President of General American Tank Car Corp.
What happens
A brief, humorous poem directed at David Copland, Vice President of General American Tank Car Corp. in Chicago, playfully scolding him for taking out his frustrations on the golf stick or caddy, and noting the absurdity of doing so at a regular club while wearing a Lincoln Park hat.
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
- Humor and Satire
The poem uses playful, rhyming satire to gently mock David Copland's behavior on the golf course.
- Work and Profession
David Copland is identified by his corporate title, grounding the humor in his professional identity.
Characters to notice
- David Copland
The subject of the poem, addressed as 'David' and identified as Vice President of General American Tank Car Corp. in Chicago.
Key passages
“Now, David, don’t vent all your spleen On the stick or the caddy. That’s mean.”
David, don't take out all your anger on the golf club or the caddy; that's unkind.
Advises against directing frustration at golf equipment or the caddy.
“You can’t help but dub At a regular club With a Lincoln Park hat on your bean.”
You can't help but make a poor shot at an ordinary golf club while wearing a fancy Lincoln Park hat.
Suggests that despite the stylish hat, poor performance is inevitable.
