Inexpensive Guests by Ring Lardner
The narrative centers on a narrator who reflects on the peculiar experience of hosting three dolls as guests at every meal. These dolls, named Indian Chief, Funny Man, and Rollo, are not ordinary guests; they are inanimate and do not consume food. Despite their presence, the narrator expresses a sense of acceptance and humor about the situation, noting that the grocery bill remains unchanged. As the story unfolds, the narrator shares anecdotes and observations about life with these dolls, highlighting the absurdity and charm of their existence. The dolls serve as a lens through which the narrator examines themes of companionship, the nature of hospitality, and the quirks of domestic life. The interactions with the dolls reveal the narrator's personality, showcasing a blend of wit and resignation. The narrative style employs a conversational tone, with rhythmic and playful language that enhances the whimsical nature of the story. The dolls, while lifeless, become symbols of the narrator's imagination and the comfort found in routine. The juxtaposition of the mundane act of dining with the surreal presence of dolls creates a comedic yet poignant exploration of loneliness and the human need for connection. Throughout the work, the narrator's reflections invite readers to consider the boundaries between reality and imagination, as well as the ways in which individuals cope with solitude. The dolls, though incapable of genuine interaction, embody the narrator's desire for companionship and the lengths to which one might go to fill emotional voids. In conclusion, the story presents a unique perspective on hospitality and the absurdities of life, using humor and creativity to engage with deeper themes of connection and the human experience. The narrator's acceptance of their unusual guests ultimately leads to a celebration of imagination and the small joys found in everyday life.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1933 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry · 123 words
First lines
I wonder how 'twould make you feel, My fellow food providers, To have as guests at ev'ry meal Three -- count 'em, three -- outsiders.
Well, that's the case with me, but still I don't complain or holler, For, strange to say, the groc'ry bill Has not gone up a dollar.
These guests of ours, to make it brief, Can't really chew or swallow; They're merely dolls, called Indian Chief, And Funny Man, and Rollo.
What this Textopian page supports
Inexpensive Guests is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry, Satire, Literary Fiction
- Length: 123 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Inexpensive Guests by Ring Lardner
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Inexpensive Guests?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The poem employs wit and satire to comment on the absurdity of having inanimate guests, creating a humorous perspective on social interactions.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal norms and the dynamics of hospitality, using the metaphor of dolls to critique the nature of guests and social expectations.
- Poetry — The format and style of the work are poetic, utilizing rhyme and rhythm to convey its themes effectively.
- Satire — The piece satirizes the concept of hospitality and the absurdity of social conventions through exaggerated scenarios.
Tags
humor · satire · dolls · guests · food · family · dinner · outsiders · grocery · meal · Ring Lardner · poetry