Poetry · Chapter
M. DeWitt McAlpine explained
A brief, playful verse celebrating M.
What happens
A brief, playful verse celebrating M. DeWitt McAlpine, Vice-President of Bradner Smith & Co. in Chicago, noting his popularity and hinting that he may soon be caught by a lady.
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 chapter uses a playful, rhyming verse to humorously comment on McAlpine's bachelor status and social popularity.
- Work and Profession
McAlpine is identified by his professional role as Vice-President of Bradner Smith & Co., tying his identity to his career.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator delivers a lighthearted, admiring verse about M. DeWitt McAlpine.
Key passages
“M. DeWitt McAlpine V-Pres. Bradner Smith & Co. , Chicago Chicago’s most popular batch, So far he has not met his match; But he isn’t immune And I’m thinking that soon Some lady will make a good catch.”
M. DeWitt McAlpine, Vice-President of Bradner Smith & Co. in Chicago, is the city's most eligible bachelor. Though he hasn't been matched yet, the narrator suspects a lady will soon win him over.
The verse celebrates McAlpine's popularity and playfully predicts his future marriage.
