Poetry · Chapter
Thos. J. Wall explained
A brief poetic tribute to Thos.
What happens
A brief poetic tribute to Thos. J. Wall, the General Agent of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Chicago, expressing the speaker's willingness to join him on any journey despite a lack of personal desire for adventure or hunting.
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 Thos. J. Wall's professional role as General Agent of the C.P.R., and the speaker's willingness to accompany him on business or leisure trips.
- Community and Companionship
The speaker expresses a desire to join Tom Wall on any trip, emphasizing camaraderie and shared experience over personal interests.
Characters to notice
- Thos. J. Wall
General Agent for the C.P.R. in Chicago; the subject of the poem.
Key passages
“I’m nearly stone deaf to the Call Of the Wild; I’ve no craving at all To slaughter Big Game. But I’d go just the same On any old trip with Tom Wall.”
I have little interest in wilderness adventure or hunting, but I would gladly accompany Tom Wall on any journey he proposes.
The speaker prioritizes companionship with Tom Wall over personal inclinations toward outdoor pursuits.
