Poetry · Chapter
An Attorney-General explained
The chapter satirizes Attorney-General Philander Knox, portraying him as a lazy and indecisive figure who snores through crises, contrasting his deep sleep with his profound learning.
What happens
The chapter satirizes Attorney-General Philander Knox, portraying him as a lazy and indecisive figure who snores through crises, contrasting his deep sleep with his profound learning.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker’s obsessive pursuit of the divine rose fragrance…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Political Satire
The chapter mocks Attorney-General Philander Knox for his laziness and indecisiveness.
- Hypocrisy and Corruption
Knox's profound sleep and lack of action contrast with his official responsibilities, suggesting hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator describes and critiques Philander Knox.
Key passages
“An Attorney-General Philander Knox!—I know him by the sound; His sleep, unlike his learning, is profound.”
The narrator recognizes Philander Knox by his snoring, noting that his sleep is deeper than his knowledge.
Highlights the contrast between Knox's reputation for learning and his actual laziness.
“In thought a tortoise but in act a hare, Slow to decide and impotent to dare, Yet no important crisis he ignores, But sleeps upon it, and for action—snores.”
Knox is slow to think but quick to avoid action, sleeping through crises instead of addressing them.
Satirizes Knox's indecisiveness and lack of initiative.
