# Exit Madge explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

The chapter laments the departure of Madge, who has moved back to the city, leaving behind a young lover and a neighborhood that feels dismal and dreary without her cheerful presence. Her nurse, who cared for the narrator's son, has also left, compounding the sense of loss.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Companionship

The neighborhood's collective sorrow and the young lover's distress highlight the importance of Madge's presence and the bonds she formed.

### Domestic Life

The nurse's departure and the care of the narrator's son underscore the domestic sphere affected by Madge's move.

## Character check-ins

### Madge

Madge has moved back to the city, taking her smile, curls, and fun, leaving the neighborhood in sorrow.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator expresses grief over Madge's departure and the loss of her nurse, who cared for their son.

## Key lines

> Madge has moved back to the city, With her year and a half of good cheer.

Madge has returned to urban life, taking with her the joy she brought over the past eighteen months.

_Summarizes the central event of the chapter._

> The neighborhood sighs, the neighborhood cries; The neighborhood’s dismal and drear.

The entire community is saddened and gloomy without Madge.

_Conveys the emotional impact on the neighborhood._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/exit-madge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters