# David Copland explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous poem directed at David Copland, Vice President of General American Tank Car Corp. in Chicago, playfully scolding him for taking out his frustrations on the golf stick or caddy, and noting the absurdity of doing so at a regular club while wearing a Lincoln Park hat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The poem uses playful, rhyming satire to gently mock David Copland's behavior on the golf course.

### Work and Profession

David Copland is identified by his corporate title, grounding the humor in his professional identity.

## Character check-ins

### David Copland

The subject of the poem, addressed as 'David' and identified as Vice President of General American Tank Car Corp. in Chicago.

## Key lines

> Now, David, don’t vent all your spleen On the stick or the caddy. That’s mean.

David, don't take out all your anger on the golf club or the caddy; that's unkind.

_Advises against directing frustration at golf equipment or the caddy._

> You can’t help but dub At a regular club With a Lincoln Park hat on your bean.

You can't help but make a poor shot at an ordinary golf club while wearing a fancy Lincoln Park hat.

_Suggests that despite the stylish hat, poor performance is inevitable._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/david-copland
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters