# Dan Hayes, Jr. explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief poetic tribute to Dan Hayes, Jr., a Chicago real estate man and breeder of harness race horses, whose fondest wish is to race behind his horse Alix again.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

Dan Hayes, Jr. is identified by his occupations: real estate and breeder of harness race horses.

### Nostalgia and Memory

His 'Dream of Paradise' is to fly behind Alix again, reflecting a longing for past glory.

## Character check-ins

### Dan Hayes

Subject of the chapter; a real estate and harness race horse breeder who dreams of racing behind Alix again.

## Key lines

> He could make better speed on a train Or a high-powered 'aero-plane' But they tell me that his Dream of Paradise is To fly behind Alix again.

Though modern transportation is faster, his greatest desire is to once again race behind his horse Alix.

_Highlights the contrast between modern speed and nostalgic passion for harness racing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/dan-hayes-jr
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters