Poetry · Chapter
Exalted Above His Fellows explained
The narrator humorously elevates his son John's pride and joy over his case of chicken pox above all other notable achievements and successes, from opera singers to military leaders, athletes, and politicians.
What happens
The narrator humorously elevates his son John's pride and joy over his case of chicken pox above all other notable achievements and successes, from opera singers to military leaders, athletes, and politicians. The poem contrasts the attention and pampering John receives while sick with the neglect of others in the family, ending with a playful wish to catch the illness himself for the same treatment.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Satire
The poem uses exaggerated comparisons between a child's chicken pox and major worldly achievements to satirize parental pride and the triviality of fame.
Domestic Life
Focuses on the household dynamics of attention and care given to a sick child, contrasting with the neglect of other family members.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The proud parent who observes and contrasts his son's joy with other famous figures' accomplishments.
- Brother Jim
Mentioned as 'healthy Jim,' who is sneered at for not being ill.
- Daddy
Described as beneath notice because no doctor calls on him.
- Dollar Bill
Referenced as 'Bill who isn't ill,' dismissed in favor of the sick son.
- Son Lou
Implied as 'my son John,' the central figure who is exalted for having chicken pox.
Key passages
“But John’s the proudest thing on earth since he got the chicken pox.”
John is more proud of having chicken pox than anyone else is of their achievements.
Central ironic statement of the poem.
“Daddy’s beneath all notice, for no doctor calls on him; A fig for Bill who isn’t ill! A sneer for healthy Jim!”
The father and other healthy family members are ignored, while the sick child receives all the attention.
Highlights the inversion of normal family priorities due to illness.