# Lightning Rod Agent explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A lightning rod agent tries to sell rods to Jones, but Jones fears thunder more than lightning. The agent adapts his pitch, offering 'thunder rods' at greater expense, and Jones agrees, valuing safety over cost.

## Themes in this chapter

### Progress and Technology

The poem satirizes the marketing of technological devices and the public's selective fears.

### Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue

Jones's prioritization of safety over cost illustrates a practical, domestic virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Bill Jones

Expresses fear of thunder rather than lightning, and agrees to purchase thunder rods for safety.

## Key lines

> Said Jones, “You have made a blunder, I fear not lightning but the thunder.”

Jones tells the agent he is mistaken because he is afraid of thunder, not lightning.

_Jones corrects the agent's assumption about his fears._

> Said Jones, “Set me up thunder rods, And from my mind it will take loads.”

Jones asks the agent to install thunder rods to relieve his anxiety.

_Jones requests a product tailored to his specific fear._

> Said Jones, “I care not for the cost, Safety is what I prize the most.”

Jones says he is willing to pay any price because safety is his highest priority.

_Jones values safety above expense._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/lightning-rod-agent
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters