# C. R. McKay explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker of the poem, reflecting on McKay's position and the allure of a carefree spot in Michigan.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/c-r-mckay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters