Poetry · Chapter
S. R. Kaufman explained
A brief, whimsical poem from the perspective of S.
What happens
A brief, whimsical poem from the perspective of S. R. Kaufman, president of the Congress Hotel in Chicago, expressing a satisfied smile at the thought of famous visitors like Campanini, Farrar, and Houdini gracing his establishment.
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 poem highlights the professional pride of a hotel president in hosting famous guests.
Characters to notice
- S. Jay Kaufman
Speaker of the poem, president of the Congress Hotel, Chicago.
Key passages
“I’d wear the same satisfied smile If I, too, could say without guile: “Oh, yes, Campanini, Farrar and Houdini All visit me once in a while.””
I would be just as pleased if I could honestly say that famous performers like Campanini, Farrar, and Houdini occasionally visit me.
Expresses the pride and satisfaction of hosting notable figures.
