Poetry · Chapter
John E. Owens explained
A brief, rhythmic tribute to John E.
What happens
A brief, rhythmic tribute to John E. Owens, a Chicago lawyer, recounting his personal account of an event, with the narrator expressing belief in his story while playfully wishing him ill if it proves false.
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 readingCharacters to notice
- John E. Owens
A Chicago lawyer who personally told the narrator a story, which the narrator believes but jokingly hopes will choke him if untrue.
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator who recounts John E. Owens's story and expresses belief in it.
Key passages
“John E. Owens Lawyer, Chicago He caught it hissilf, Johnny Owens; He tould me in could sober towens. I b’lave him, I do, But if it ain’t thrue, Sure I hope that he’ll choke on the bowens.”
John E. Owens, a lawyer from Chicago, caught it himself. Johnny Owens told me in cold, sober tones. I believe him, I do, but if it isn't true, I hope he chokes on the bones.
The narrator affirms belief in John E. Owens's story while adding a humorous curse if it's false.
