C. Pruyn Stringfield by Ring Lardner
The narrative follows a young physician in Chicago who is portrayed as a competent doctor with a thriving practice. He is depicted as being well-regarded in his community, with patients scattered throughout the city. However, there is a humorous twist to his character; despite his professional success, he is often preoccupied with his personal interests, particularly his stock investments. This duality creates a comedic tension between his responsibilities as a doctor and his distractions as an investor. As the story unfolds, the physician's dedication to his patients is contrasted with his tendency to prioritize his financial pursuits. This leads to various situations where his patients may struggle to receive timely care, as he is frequently found engrossed in the stock market rather than attending to their needs. The narrative employs wit and satire to explore themes of professionalism, ambition, and the sometimes absurd nature of modern life. The physician's character serves as a critique of societal values, particularly the obsession with wealth and success at the expense of personal relationships and responsibilities. The humor is derived from the juxtaposition of his medical expertise and his lack of attention to the very people who rely on him for care. The work ultimately reflects on the complexities of balancing personal ambition with professional duty, highlighting the often humorous consequences of such conflicts. Through clever wordplay and a light-hearted tone, the story captures the essence of a man caught between two worlds, illustrating the challenges of maintaining integrity in a society that often prioritizes financial gain over genuine human connection. The narrative concludes with a sense of irony, leaving readers to ponder the implications of the physician's choices and the broader commentary on the nature of success and fulfillment.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 49 words
First lines
Physician, Chicago This boy is a regular doc With patients in every block, But if you fall sick And want him right quick, You'll find him bo-peeping his stock.
What this Textopian page supports
C. Pruyn Stringfield is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Literary Fiction
- Length: 49 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for C. Pruyn Stringfield by Ring Lardner
- 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 C. Pruyn Stringfield?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Wilbur D Nesbit by Ring Lardner
- W J Sutherland by Ring Lardner
- J T Connery by Ring Lardner
- J M Sullivan by Ring Lardner
- Victor Elting by Ring Lardner
- Col Geo T Buckingham by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Poetry — The work is presented in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The content employs wit and playful language, characteristic of humorous literature.
- Satire — The poem critiques societal norms and professions, reflecting satirical elements.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores themes of profession and societal roles, fitting within literary fiction.
Tags
poetry · humor · satire · medicine · physician · Chicago · doctor · patients · healthcare · rhyme · light verse · American literature