David Copland by Ring Lardner (1920)
The narrative follows a character named David Copland, who is a vice president at a tank car corporation in Chicago. The story is presented through a series of letters and conversations that reveal David's personality, relationships, and experiences. He is depicted as a somewhat self-absorbed individual, often reflecting on his social status and the expectations that come with it. David's interactions with his peers and family members highlight his struggles with personal and professional pressures. He grapples with the demands of his job while trying to maintain a façade of success and sophistication. The dialogue captures the nuances of his relationships, particularly with his wife and colleagues, showcasing the tension between his ambitions and the reality of his life. Throughout the work, themes of social class, ambition, and the superficiality of social interactions are explored. David's character is often at odds with the expectations placed upon him, leading to moments of introspection and self-doubt. The narrative employs humor and irony to critique the societal norms of the time, particularly in the context of business and personal relationships. As the story progresses, David's internal conflicts become more pronounced, revealing his insecurities and the impact of his choices on those around him. The letters serve as a vehicle for his thoughts, allowing readers to gain insight into his psyche and the complexities of his character. The work ultimately paints a portrait of a man caught between his aspirations and the reality of his existence, illustrating the challenges of navigating a world driven by status and perception. David's journey is marked by moments of clarity and confusion, reflecting the broader human experience of striving for success while grappling with personal identity and societal expectations.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1920 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fiction · 62 words
First lines
Vice Pres. General American Tank Car Corp., Chicago Now, David, don't vent all your spleen On the stick or the caddy. That's mean.
You can't help but dub At a regular club With a Lincoln Park hat on your bean.
What this Textopian page supports
David Copland 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: Satire, Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Poetry
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for David Copland 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 David Copland?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The book critiques social norms and behaviors, particularly in the context of American culture and corporate life.
- Humor — The writing employs wit and comedic elements to convey its messages and entertain the reader.
- Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction that explores character interactions and societal commentary.
- Social Commentary — The themes reflect on societal issues and the human condition, particularly in a corporate setting.
Tags
satire · humor · American literature · Ring Lardner · short story · golf · society · class · Chicago · dialogue · character study · irony