Poetry · Chapter
Lines on T. D. McGee explained
The chapter recounts a humorous anecdote from twenty years prior when the poet met T.
What happens
The chapter recounts a humorous anecdote from twenty years prior when the poet met T. D. McGee at a Mechanics' Institute dinner. McGee, upon rising from a new chair that stuck to him, wittily compared it to his political seat. The poem then shifts to a somber tribute, lamenting McGee's assassination by a fanatic.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Loss
The poem ends with a lament for McGee's untimely death, emphasizing the loss of a promising figure.
Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity
McGee is described as a 'Plant of green Erin’s isle' taking root in Canadian soil, highlighting his Irish heritage and Canadian identity.
Characters to notice
- Mr. McGee
Honored guest at the Mechanics' Institute dinner; makes a witty remark about his chair sticking to him; later assassinated.
- James McIntyre
Author of the poem, invited to the dinner as a member of the Mechanics' Institute.
Key passages
“DeArcy McGee, All compliment thee, The hope of the land On your lecture so grand.”
Everyone praises DeArcy McGee, who is seen as the hope of the nation for his impressive lecture.
Opening lines establish McGee's esteemed reputation.
“Our hopes were in vain, Alas he is slain, By a crankish hand The flower of the land.”
Our hopes for him were dashed because he was killed by a fanatic's hand, cutting down the finest person in the country.
Final verse mourns McGee's assassination, contrasting earlier optimism.