Poetry · Chapter
Harry B. Wallace explained
A brief limerick-style portrait of Harry B.
What happens
A brief limerick-style portrait of Harry B. Wallace, a diamond importer and manager of the Wheel Trueing Tool Company in Detroit, who finds greater joy in leisure activities like golf, driving, and cheering for baseball player Ty Cobb than in his professional work.
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
Harry B. Wallace's job as a diamond importer is mentioned, but his true happiness lies outside of work.
- Humor and Satire
The limerick form and playful contrast between work and leisure create a humorous tone.
Characters to notice
- Harry B. Wallace
Diamond importer and manager who prefers leisure over work.
Key passages
“Each year he imports quite a gob Of diamonds, for that is his job, But he’s happier far With his clubs or his car, Or when rooting for Tyrus R. Cobb.”
Though his profession involves importing large quantities of diamonds annually, he derives more pleasure from his golf clubs, his automobile, or cheering for baseball star Ty Cobb.
Highlights the contrast between Harry's work and his personal interests.
