Poetry · Chapter
C. R. McKay explained
A brief poetic interlude about C.
What happens
A brief poetic interlude about C. R. McKay, a department governor at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago, who muses on the appeal of a simpler, less money-focused life in Michigan.
Themes in this chapter
Money and Materialism
The poem contrasts the 'dandy posish' of a bank governor with a place where one needn't 'always think dollars,' highlighting the tension between financial duty and freedom from materialism.
Work and Profession
McKay's role at the Federal Reserve is presented as a prestigious but confining job, set against the desire for a more relaxed, non-professional existence.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker of the poem, reflecting on McKay's position and the allure of a carefree spot in Michigan.
Key passages
“Oh, yes, it’s a dandy posish, But—Well, there’s a spot up in Mich. Where you needn’t wear collars Nor always think dollars Nor argue with two-legged fish.”
Sure, the job is great, but there's a place in Michigan where you can be casual, forget about money, and avoid dealing with difficult people.
The narrator contrasts the formal, money-driven world of banking with an idealized, carefree retreat.