Poetry · Chapter
John B. De Voney explained
A brief, whimsical portrait of John B.
What happens
A brief, whimsical portrait of John B. De Voney, a Chicago real estate agent whose storytelling prowess and knowledge of lots and plots lead clients to sign agreements before he finishes his tales.
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
The chapter humorously depicts the real estate profession and the art of persuasion through storytelling.
- Humor and Satire
The playful rhyme and exaggerated description of De Voney's sales technique satirize the real estate business.
Characters to notice
- John B. De Voney
A Chicago real estate agent known for his head full of stories and plots, who persuades clients to sign quickly.
Key passages
“John B. De Voney Real Estate, Chicago De Voney appears to know Lots; His head’s full of Stories and Plots. He tells you three Stories (And basement)—Before he’s Half through, you will sign on the dots.”
John B. De Voney, a Chicago real estate agent, seems to know many properties and is full of tales and schemes. He tells you three stories, including one about a basement, and before he is even halfway done, you will have signed the contract.
Summarizes the chapter's content and the character's persuasive storytelling.
