# Clayton Mark explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, whimsical portrait of Clayton Mark, a steel manufacturer from Chicago, who follows an unusual sleep schedule, retiring as early as 2 or 2:10 AM and sometimes sleeping until 3 AM before returning to the steel mill.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

The chapter highlights Clayton Mark's identity as a steel manufacturer and his dedication to his work, even at odd hours.

## Character check-ins

### Clayton Mark

Steel manufacturer from Chicago with an erratic sleep pattern, going to bed as early as 2 or 2:10 AM and sometimes staying in bed until 3 AM before returning to work.

## Key lines

> Clayton Mark Steel Manufacturer, Chicago This gent goes to bed now and then As early as 2 or 2:10 And if sleepy, why he Stays in bed until 3; Then it’s back to the steel mill again.

Clayton Mark, a steel manufacturer from Chicago, occasionally goes to bed as early as 2 or 2:10 AM, and if he feels sleepy, he stays in bed until 3 AM before returning to the steel mill.

_A poetic description of Clayton Mark's unusual sleep schedule and his commitment to his work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/clayton-mark
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters