# Arthur J. Mitchell explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief poetic tribute to Arthur J. Mitchell, praising his reliability in investments while humorously noting his poor golf game.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

The poem highlights Mitchell's professional reliability in investments.

### Humor and Satire

The contrast between his professional competence and poor golf game is presented humorously.

## Character check-ins

### John J. Mitchell

Likely the subject of the poem, though the name differs slightly; praised as a safe investment advisor but mocked for his golf skills.

## Key lines

> When it comes to investing your kale, This guy is as safe as the mail

When it comes to investing your money, this man is as reliable as the postal service.

_The poem uses slang ('kale' for money) and a simile to emphasize trustworthiness._

> But out on the links⁠— Well, the caddy, me thinks, Is looking goshawfully pale.

But on the golf course, the caddy appears very frightened, likely due to Mitchell's poor play.

_Humorously suggests Mitchell's golf skills are so bad that the caddy is scared._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/arthur-j-mitchell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters