Poetry · Chapter
George Golde explained
A brief, humorous limerick about George Golde, a Cincinnati merchant who once sold shirts of various colors but now inquires about obtaining red ones, playing on the double meaning of 'Reds' as both a color and a political reference.
What happens
A brief, humorous limerick about George Golde, a Cincinnati merchant who once sold shirts of various colors but now inquires about obtaining red ones, playing on the double meaning of 'Reds' as both a color and a political reference.
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 limerick uses wordplay and satire to comment on changing political or social attitudes through a merchant's shirt inventory.
- Work and Profession
Focuses on George Golde's occupation as a merchant and his interactions with salesmen.
Characters to notice
- George Golde
A Cincinnati merchant who previously stocked shirts in multiple colors but now specifically asks for red ones.
Key passages
“He once carried shirts of all hues: Plain white ones and pink ones and blues; But now he asks all The salesmen who call: 'Have you got any Reds we could use?'”
George Golde used to sell shirts in many colors, including white, pink, and blue, but now he only asks traveling salesmen if they have red shirts available.
The paraphrase clarifies the literal meaning while preserving the pun on 'Reds.'
