Dave's Imperturbability
The narrative centers on a father reflecting on his son, Davey, who exhibits a unique and unwavering attitude towards failure and mistakes. Davey approaches life with a nonchalant demeanor, demonstrating an ability to shrug off setbacks, whether physical injuries or the destruction of cherished toys. His responses to these situations reveal a philosophical outlook that embraces acceptance and a lack of concern for societal expectations or judgments. The father admires this perspective and contemplates adopting it himself. He recognizes the value in Davey's ability to remain unperturbed by criticism or disappointment, suggesting that this mindset could serve as a liberating approach to life. The father expresses a desire to emulate Davey's confidence in the face of adversity, indicating a shift in his own attitude towards failure. The work explores themes of resilience, the nature of failure, and the importance of self-acceptance. It contrasts societal pressures to conform with the freedom found in embracing one's own path, regardless of external opinions. The father's reflections serve as a commentary on the human experience, highlighting the often-overlooked wisdom in a child's perspective. The narrative ultimately champions the idea that one can find strength in acknowledging imperfections and that a carefree attitude towards life's challenges can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Philosophical · 189 words
First lines
When Davey, my kid, takes a tumble And gets an abrasion or two, If you dare sympathize, he coolly replies: "It's what I was trying to do"
When he smashes a toy he was fond of Or bursts a balloon that's brand new, He'll throw it away and brazenly say: "It's what I was trying to do."
That's Dave's philosophical system, And I think I will follow it, too; When I foozle and err, I will boldly aver It's what I was trying to do So, ye who don't like these two pages, Don't think I'll be angry with you If ye say to me, "Fool, you have written plain drool" --
That's what I was trying to do.
What this Textopian page supports
Dave's Imperturbability is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Philosophical, Children's Literature, Satire
- Length: 189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dave's Imperturbability 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 Dave's Imperturbability?
- 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
- Riddles by Ring Lardner
- Mr Philosopher by Robert Graves
- Declaration Of Independence by Ring Lardner
- An Appreciative Audience by Ring Lardner
- Speech Economy by Ring Lardner
- His Sense Of Humor by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs a rhythmic and structured format typical of poetry, focusing on themes of resilience and philosophical reflection.
- Humor — The tone and content convey a humorous perspective on life's mishaps and the absurdity of human behavior.
- Philosophical — The text explores philosophical ideas about acceptance and the nature of mistakes through the character's outlook.
- Children's Literature — The simplicity and childlike perspective of the protagonist make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
philosophy · imperturbability · humor · parenting · childhood · resilience · acceptance · self-awareness · life lessons · irony · playfulness · creativity