Poetry · Chapter
For Mayor explained
The narrator refuses to support Abner Doble's mayoral campaign, mocking his name as catarrhal and suggesting it would bring ridicule rather than acclaim.
What happens
The narrator refuses to support Abner Doble's mayoral campaign, mocking his name as catarrhal and suggesting it would bring ridicule rather than acclaim. The narrator declares they will instead cheer for another candidate, unwilling to have their influence associated with such a laughable name.
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 Falling action.
- 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 poem satirizes political campaigning and the absurdity of supporting a candidate based on name recognition, using wordplay and mockery.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator, who refuses to lend voice or influence to Abner Doble's campaign.
Key passages
“Your name is to be sneezed at: its acclaim Will 'fill the speaking trump of future fame' With an impeded utterance—a puff Suggesting that a pinch or two of snuff Would clear the tube and somewhat disinflame.”
Your name is so ridiculous that any praise for it will sound like a sneeze or a cough, as if you need snuff to clear your throat.
The narrator uses a pun on 'catarrhal' to mock Doble's name, implying it is unfit for political glory.
“Nay, Abner Doble, you’ll not get from me My voice and influence: I’ll cheer instead, Some other man;”
No, Abner Doble, I will not support you; I will endorse someone else.
The narrator explicitly refuses to back Doble, choosing another candidate.
