Poetry · Chapter
Uriah S. Epperson explained
A brief profile of Uriah S.
What happens
A brief profile of Uriah S. Epperson, president of the Epperson Land & Investment Co. in Kansas City, Missouri, highlighting his initials that spell 'Use' and his role in facilitating the city's acquisition of new parks.
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
Uriah S. Epperson is defined by his role as president of a land and investment company, with his professional identity central to the chapter.
- Humor and Satire
The narrator uses wordplay on Epperson's initials ('Use') and a playful tone ('makes use of this bird') to satirize his influence in city affairs.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator provides a witty observation about Uriah S. Epperson's initials and his influence in Kansas City.
Key passages
“His initials spell “Use” and I’ve heard Kansas City makes use of this bird.”
His initials form the word 'Use,' and I've heard that Kansas City takes advantage of him.
The narrator puns on Epperson's initials to suggest he is a useful figure in local politics or business.
