Poetry · Chapter
Elihu Root explained
A brief poetic reflection on Elihu Root's moral character, suggesting that while he may occasionally stoop to a dirty trick or low misdeed to serve his nature's need, he is fundamentally unwilling to bend from his moral skies.
What happens
A brief poetic reflection on Elihu Root's moral character, suggesting that while he may occasionally stoop to a dirty trick or low misdeed to serve his nature's need, he is fundamentally unwilling to bend from his moral skies.
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
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
- Hypocrisy and Corruption
The poem explores the tension between Root's high moral standing and his potential to engage in dirty tricks or low misdeeds when necessary.
Key passages
“Stoop to a dirty trick or low misdeed? What, bend him from his moral skies to it? No, no, not he! To serve his nature’s need He may upon occasion rise to it.”
Would Elihu Root lower himself to a dishonest or base act? Could he be swayed from his high moral principles? Absolutely not! However, to fulfill his own inherent needs, he might occasionally ascend to such behavior.
The poem uses paradoxical language to suggest that Root's moral integrity is so strong that any wrongdoing would be an elevation rather than a descent.
