# Augustus J. Wampler explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief character sketch of Augustus J. Wampler, a department manager at Health & Milligan Mfg. Co. in Chicago, who uses his gift of gab to land large paint contracts while indulging his love for fishing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

Augustus J. Wampler is defined by his role as a department manager and his professional skill in securing contracts.

### Humor and Satire

The playful comparison of fishing chatter to business negotiation adds a humorous, satirical tone.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator describes Augustus J. Wampler's character and methods.

## Key lines

> He loves to go fishing, which ain’t Original, curious or quaint, But he uses a great Line of chatter for bait, And he catches big contracts for paint.

Augustus enjoys fishing, but his real talent lies in using conversation as bait to land large paint contracts.

_Highlights the metaphor of fishing for business deals._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/augustus-j-wampler
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters