Goodbye Bill by Ring Lardner (1933)
The narrative centers on a character reflecting on the significance of a single dollar bill, personifying it as a cherished object that represents potential enjoyment and indulgence. The protagonist contemplates various ways to spend the dollar, considering attending a vaudeville show, grooming, and purchasing cigarettes. Each thought is interrupted by a voice from an easy chair, likely representing a critical inner voice or societal expectations, pointing out the protagonist's shortcomings and needs, such as worn shoes and torn stockings. As the character weighs the options, the voice highlights the disparity between desires and reality, emphasizing the protagonist's lack of resources and the impracticality of spending the dollar on frivolous pleasures. Ultimately, the character resolves to part with the dollar, recognizing that the reality of their situation—symbolized by the torn stockings and other unmet needs—renders the dollar less significant. The decision to say goodbye to the dollar reflects a deeper understanding of priorities and the harshness of their circumstances, leading to a poignant conclusion about the futility of chasing superficial pleasures when basic needs remain unaddressed.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 260 words
First lines
Dollar Bill, that I've held so tight Ever since payday, a week ago, Shall I purchase with you tonight A pair of seats at the vaudeville show?
(Hark! A voice from the easy chair: "Look at his shoes! We must buy a pair. ")
Dollar Bill, from the wreckage saved, Tell me, how shall I squander you?
Shall I be shined, shampooed and shaved, Singed and trimmed 'round the edges, too?
What this Textopian page supports
Goodbye Bill is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ring Lardner, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Humor, Social Commentary, Lyric
- Length: 260 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Goodbye Bill by Ring Lardner
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Goodbye Bill?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and rhythm.
- Satire — The poem critiques consumerism and societal expectations through humor and irony.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful language convey a sense of humor about financial struggles.
- Social Commentary — The themes reflect on social norms and the pressures of spending in a consumer-driven society.
Tags
humor · satire · American literature · short stories · dialogue · family dynamics · social commentary · early 20th century · sports · relationships · irony · character study