# C. L. Maguire explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief poetic tribute to C. L. Maguire, president of Lakeside Petroleum Co., highlighting his transition from the labor of selling oil to the leisure of golfing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

Maguire's arduous toil of vending oil is contrasted with his leisure activity.

### Humor and Satire

The lighthearted verse humorously depicts Maguire's eagerness to golf, 'ploughing up an acre of soil.'

## Character check-ins

### L. Maguire

Subject of the chapter; president of Lakeside Petroleum Co., enjoys golf after work.

## Key lines

> When he’s through with the arduous toil Of vending a gallon of oil, He hastens with glee To the nearest first tee And ploughs up an acre of soil.

After finishing the hard work of selling oil, he happily rushes to the golf course and digs up a large area of ground.

_Summarizes the poem's depiction of Maguire's post-work golfing habit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/c-l-maguire
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters