# Edward J. Brundage explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, satirical poem addressing Edward J. Brundage, the Attorney General of Illinois, expressing a mix of personal liking and disapproval over his ruling that only beer with half a percent alcohol could be sold.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The poem uses a light, rhyming critique to mock a political figure's decision.

## Character check-ins

### Edward J. Brundage

Addressed directly in the poem as the Attorney General of Illinois, criticized for his ruling on beer alcohol content.

## Key lines

> I like you, Ed Brundage, that’s clear; Else your map wouldn’t loom up in here; But I like you less well Since you ruled they could sell Nothing stronger than half per cent beer.

The speaker admits to liking Ed Brundage, but that fondness diminishes because Brundage enforced a law allowing only very weak beer to be sold.

_Summarizes the poem's critique of Brundage's prohibition-related policy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/edward-j-brundage
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters