# A. J. Thatcher explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief poetic tribute to A. J. Thatcher, a man from the Toledo Athletic Club, who is remembered as a good scout and a regular guy, with a reference to a Fourth of July boxing match involving Dempsey and Jess Willard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Companionship

The poem celebrates A. J. Thatcher as a 'good scout' and 'regular guy,' highlighting camaraderie and positive social bonds.

## Character check-ins

### Jess Willard

Referenced as 'Jessica' in the poem, alluding to the boxing match where Dempsey closed his eye.

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who lost on the bout but met A. J. Thatcher.

## Key lines

> Remember the Fourth of July, When Dempsey closed Jessica’s eye?

Recall the Fourth of July when Jack Dempsey shut Jess Willard's eye during their fight.

_Alludes to the famous 1919 heavyweight boxing match._

> Ad Thatcher’s a regular guy.

A. J. Thatcher is a dependable and friendly person.

_Expresses admiration for Thatcher's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/a-j-thatcher
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters