# Alligator Rider explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A boastful first-person narrative from a Florida native who entertains northern tourists by riding alligators in the river, using his fingers as a bridle and spurs to guide the beasts, all while reflecting on his survival and swimming prowess.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Environment

The poem highlights the wild Florida landscape and the alligator as a formidable natural creature.

## Character check-ins

### James McIntyre

Narrator of the poem, boasting of his alligator-riding exploits in Florida.

## Key lines

> I was born in State of Florida, On the banks of a mighty river, Where each big alligator’s jaw Makes the northern folks to shiver.

The speaker was born in Florida beside a large river, where the sight of alligators terrifies visitors from the north.

_Establishes the setting and the speaker's origin._

> My bridle great did them surprise, I put no bit into their mouth, But put my fingers in their eyes, And thus amused the folks down south.

The speaker's unusual method of steering alligators—using his fingers in their eyes instead of a bit—amazed onlookers.

_Highlights the speaker's daring and unconventional technique._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/alligator-rider
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters