Poetry · Chapter
Fred H. Wickett explained
A brief, humorous verse addressed to Fred H.
What happens
A brief, humorous verse addressed to Fred H. Wickett, a lawyer and oilman from Chicago, lamenting the speaker's failure to follow Wickett's advice to invest money in oil.
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 centers on the regret of missing a financial opportunity, highlighting the allure of wealth through oil investments.
- Humor and Satire
The limerick-like structure and self-deprecating tone poke fun at the speaker's own poor financial decision.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker who regrets not heeding Wickett's investment advice.
- Fred C. Schwab
Mentioned as 'Fred H. Wickett' in the chapter title and verse, a lawyer and oilman whose advice was ignored.
Key passages
“I wish I’d paid heed to you, Wickett, When you said, “If you’ve money, just stick it In oil and I know Where you’ll pick up some dough.” But I just didn’t stick it or pick it.”
I regret not listening to your advice, Wickett, when you told me to invest my money in oil because you were sure it would make a profit. Instead, I did nothing and missed out.
The speaker expresses regret for ignoring a lucrative investment tip.
