Poetry · Chapter
Wm. H. Clare explained
A brief satirical commentary on the appointment of Wm.
What happens
A brief satirical commentary on the appointment of Wm. H. Clare as Collector of Customs in Chicago, expressing skepticism about his ability to curb the local custom of drinking.
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 wit to question the effectiveness of a government official in changing local drinking habits.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker expressing doubt about the new customs collector.
Key passages
“I hear they’ve appointed this guy Collector of Customs in Chi. I wish we could trust him To unearth the custom Of buying a drink when you’re dry.”
I've heard that this man has been appointed as the Collector of Customs in Chicago. I hope he can be relied upon to stop the local tradition of buying a drink when thirsty.
The narrator sarcastically hopes the new official will end the practice of drinking.
