John M. Church by Edgar Lee Masters
The work presents a monologue from a character who reflects on his life as a successful attorney for a mining company and an indemnity firm. He describes his manipulative tactics in the legal system, where he skillfully influences judges and juries to deny claims from those suffering due to mining accidents, including widows and orphans. His professional success is marked by financial gain and accolades from the legal community, yet he reveals a profound internal conflict. Despite the external praise and material wealth, he feels a deep sense of moral decay and emptiness, symbolized by the imagery of rats consuming his heart and a snake nesting in his skull. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between outward success and inner turmoil, suggesting that his unethical practices have led to a spiritual and emotional desolation. The character's reflections serve as a critique of the legal profession and the moral compromises often made in the pursuit of success. The work ultimately explores themes of guilt, the consequences of greed, and the hollowness of a life built on exploitation and deceit.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 105 words
First lines
I was attorney for the "Q"
And the Indemnity Company which insured The owners of the mine.
I pulled the wires with judge and jury, And the upper courts, to beat the claims Of the crippled, the widow and orphan, And made a fortune thereat.
The bar association sang my praises In a high-flown resolution.
What this Textopian page supports
John M. Church is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Biography, Drama
- Length: 105 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and moral dilemmas, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal issues such as justice, morality, and the legal system.
- Biography — The character reflects personal experiences and societal roles, akin to biographical narratives.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Life · Small Town America · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil