# Call for Mr. Keefe! explained — Jack Keefe Stories

> Chapter companion for Jack Keefe Stories by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

Jack Keefe writes to Al about the start of the baseball season, his arm feeling good, and his confidence in the White Sox's chances. He discusses the U.S. declaration of war on Germany, his reluctance to enlist due to family and team obligations, and his registration for the draft. He also describes his wife Florrie's successful new business venture and his frustration with manager Rowland after a poor performance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Aggrandizement and Naivety

Jack boasts about his pitching and popularity, yet shows naivety about the draft process and war.

### War and Disillusionment

Jack expresses mixed feelings about the war, supporting it but reluctant to enlist due to personal obligations.

### Marriage and Domesticity

Jack discusses Florrie's spending, their child, and her new business, highlighting domestic life.

### Humor and Irony

Jack uses sarcasm and jokes about the draft, umpires, and his teammates, often with ironic self-awareness.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Keefe

Narrator and protagonist; discusses his pitching, draft registration, and family life.

### Al Blanchard

Recipient of Jack's letters; referred to as 'Friend Al' throughout.

### Kid Gleason

Jack's teammate; exchanges banter with Jack about enlisting.

### Rowland

White Sox manager; Jack criticizes his handling of the team and their argument after a game.

### Florrie

Jack's wife; mentioned as spending money and later running a successful business.

### Charles Comiskey

White Sox owner; Jack considers his loyalty to Comiskey when thinking about enlisting.

### Ray Schalk

Teammate; Jack mentions Schalk calling for a fast one during a game.

### Bobby Roth

Opposing player; hits a ball that Jack criticizes Jackson for not catching.

## Key lines

> I told Gleason I thought I would quit the club and join the army. He tried to laugh it off with some of his funny stuff. He says 'They wouldn't take you.'

Jack jokingly tells Gleason he plans to enlist, and Gleason teases him back.

_Shows Jack's bravado and the team's lighthearted attitude toward the war._

> I had to register yesterday for the draft. They was a big crowd down to the place we registered and you ought to seen them when I come in.

Jack describes registering for the draft and the attention he received from the crowd.

_Highlights Jack's self-importance and the draft's impact on daily life._

> she paid me back my $100.00 day before yesterday and she showed me their figures for the month of June and I don't know if you will beleive it or not but she and Miss Nevins cleared $400.00 for the month

Florrie's business is thriving, earning $400 in June, which surprises and impresses Jack.

_Illustrates Florrie's entrepreneurial success and Jack's evolving view of her capabilities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jack_keefe_stories_se/chapters/call-for-mr-keefe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jack_keefe_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jack_keefe_stories_se/chapters