# Community and Companionship in Poetry

> Theme guide for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

The value of friendship, shared experience, and belonging is central, especially in the class poem, which celebrates the bonds formed through years of learning and companionship.

## Where it surfaces

- [Clever Class Poem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/clever-class-poem): The poem highlights the bonds formed among classmates, with companionship making up for the toil of learning.
- [Opening Chorus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/opening-chorus): The narrator lists numerous friends and associates, highlighting bonds of camaraderie before a departure.
- [Exit Madge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/exit-madge): The neighborhood's collective sorrow and the young lover's distress highlight the importance of Madge's presence and the bonds she formed.
- [Today's Results](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/today-s-results): The shared experience of predicting and watching games fosters a sense of community among fans and readers.
- [Regular Fellows I Have Met](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/regular-fellows-i-have-met): The chapter celebrates a network of acquaintances, emphasizing camaraderie and shared interests like golf, fishing, and baseball.
- [Richard Carle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/richard-carle): The verse emphasizes mutual respect and goodwill among performers, reflecting a theme of professional camaraderie.
- [Frank R. Coates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/frank-r-coates): The poem emphasizes how Coates's services bring the community together, from lighting homes to transporting people to root for the 'Rail-lights.'
- [J. T. Connery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/j-t-connery): The hotel's construction aimed to enhance Chicago's social and recreational offerings, fostering community.
- [Ex. Gov. E. F. Dunne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/ex-gov-e-f-dunne): The poem highlights the collective support of the 'seemingly endless young Dunnes' for the former governor.
- [Samuel A. Ettelson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/samuel-a-ettelson): The mention of Ettelson playing in a ball game suggests community involvement and camaraderie.
- [Harry R. Gibbons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/harry-r-gibbons): The bond between the narrator and Gibbons over a shared love for the White Sox transcends political differences, illustrating community ties.
- [August Herrmann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/august-herrmann): Herrmann is celebrated as a universally respected figure, transcending ethnic prejudice.
- [Chas. A. McCulloch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/chas-a-mcculloch): Highlights the harmonious relationship between a boss and his employees.
- [Wm. H. Rankin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/wm-h-rankin): The verse reflects community pride and gratitude for Rankin's contributions to war drives.
- [Peter Reinberg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/peter-reinberg): The poem highlights Reinberg's contribution to the community through the Forest Preserve, enhancing the city's shared environment.
- [Fred C. Schwab](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/fred-c-schwab): The mention of an old neighbor evokes the bonds of past community, even as the narrator jokes about postponing a reunion.
- [Cornell Shreiber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/cornell-shreiber): The mayor is described as a friend to poor scribes in distress, highlighting a supportive community bond.
- [Modie J. Spiegel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/modie-j-spiegel): Highlights the social role of Modie as a source of cheer and camaraderie among his peers.
- [James F. Stepina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/james-f-stepina): Stepina's fortune is used to aid his people, emphasizing communal bonds.
- [A. J. Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/a-j-thatcher): The poem celebrates A. J. Thatcher as a 'good scout' and 'regular guy,' highlighting camaraderie and positive social bonds.
- [John Z. Vogelslang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/john-z-vogelslang): The connection between father and son, and the father's pride in his son's military service, underscores familial and community bonds.
- [Charles H. Wacker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/charles-h-wacker): The poem celebrates public spaces and communal enjoyment of the lakefront and boulevards.
- [Thos. J. Wall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/thos-j-wall): The speaker expresses a desire to join Tom Wall on any trip, emphasizing camaraderie and shared experience over personal interests.
- [The Constant Jay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/the-constant-jay): The daily correspondence highlights a persistent, if demanding, bond between the narrator and Kaufman.
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations): Scenes of baseball games, fishing trips, and social gatherings highlight communal activities and interactions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/themes/community_and_companionship
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_19_se/themes