The Silent Member by C.J. Dennis

Name: The Silent Member
Author: C.J. Dennis

In a small town named Mundaloo, a man named Bill McClosky, known for his incessant chatter, earned the nickname "The Silent Member" ironically. Despite his ability to engage in discussions on a wide range of topics, from literature to agriculture, he was often the center of attention due to his verbosity. He could hold forth at social events, including christenings, weddings, and even funerals, where his commentary was expected and welcomed. The town was accustomed to his endless monologues, and his presence was deemed essential for any gathering. However, the arrival of an insurance agent posed a challenge. The townsfolk, aware of both men's reputations for talk, decided to set up a contest between them, without informing either party of the arrangement. The agent began the contest with a lengthy discourse on insurance policies, while Bill initially held back, grinning. When it was his turn, he attempted to interject but struggled to regain the floor as the agent continued to dominate the conversation. As the hours passed, Bill became increasingly overwhelmed and eventually faltered, asking for a moment to catch his breath and expressing a desire to take out a policy. In a surprising turn, Bill found himself unable to speak, his usual eloquence failing him completely. The experience left him in a state of shock, and he walked away, hardly speaking since that day. The town, once filled with his chatter, now felt quieter and slower without him. The irony of his nickname became a reality, as he transformed from a loquacious figure into one who rarely uttered more than a few words.

By C.J. Dennis · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 853 words

First lines

He lived in Mundaloo, and Bill McClosky was his name, But folks that knew him well had little knowledge of that same; For he some'ow lost his surname, and he had so much to say -- He was called "The Silent Member" in a mild, sarcastic way.

He could talk on any subject -- from the weather and the crops To astronomy and Euclid, and he never minded stops; And the lack of a companion didn't lay him on the shelf, For he'd stand before a looking-glass and argue with himself.

What this Textopian page supports

The Silent Member is listed on Textopian as a poem by C.J. Dennis, dated 1935 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: C.J. Dennis
Date: 1935 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Character Study, Narrative
Length: 853 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Silent Member by C.J. Dennis
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Silent Member?
How does this poem by C.J. Dennis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Humor — The narrative employs sarcasm and comedic elements, particularly in the portrayal of the protagonist's ironic nickname.
Satire — The poem critiques social interactions and the nature of conversation, particularly through the character's excessive talking.
Character Study — The focus is on the character of Bill McClosky and his transformation from a talkative individual to a silent one.