Col. R. W. Stewart by Ring Lardner
The narrative follows a character who is a successful businessman and a member of the Board of Directors at a major oil company. The story is presented in a series of humorous and satirical verses that reflect on the character's life, achievements, and the nature of his work. The protagonist is portrayed as someone who has dedicated significant effort to his education and career, particularly during his time at Yale, where he was industrious and focused on his studies. As the story unfolds, it delves into the character's professional life, highlighting the intricacies of the oil industry and the financial gains associated with it. The protagonist's journey is marked by a blend of ambition, wit, and a certain level of self-importance, as he navigates the corporate world. The verses often employ clever wordplay and a light-hearted tone, making observations about wealth, success, and the sometimes absurd nature of corporate culture. The character's reflections reveal a tension between personal ambition and the broader implications of his work in the oil industry, touching on themes of capitalism, ethics, and the impact of business on society. The narrative captures the essence of a man who is both proud of his accomplishments and aware of the complexities that come with them. Throughout the work, the use of humor serves to critique the societal values surrounding wealth and success, while also providing insight into the character's psyche. The protagonist's experiences and thoughts are presented in a way that invites readers to consider the implications of their own pursuits and the nature of success in a competitive world. The story ultimately paints a vivid picture of a man entrenched in the world of business, reflecting on his life choices and the environment in which he operates.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1924 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 62 words
First lines
Chairman Board of Directors, Standard Oil Co. Of Ind., Chicago When he was a student at Yale, He burned midnight oil by the pail, And while it was burning, He must have been learning How oil could be earning him kale.
What this Textopian page supports
Col. R. W. Stewart is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1924 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: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Humor, Literary Fiction
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Col. R. W. Stewart by Ring Lardner
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The content critiques societal norms and corporate culture, typical of satirical literature.
- Humor — The playful language and light-hearted tone suggest a humorous approach to serious subjects.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores themes of education and ambition within a narrative context, aligning with literary fiction.
Tags
satire · poetry · humor · business · oil industry · Yale · education · finance · corporate · American literature · 20th century · Ring Lardner