# F. M. Zeiler explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief humorous verse about a stock broker named F. M. Zeiler who, when asked for stock tips, cryptically replies that he is investing in 'Holstein preferred,' likely a pun on dairy cattle and financial instruments.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The verse uses wordplay and a deadpan punchline to satirize stock brokers and their evasive tips.

### Work and Profession

The chapter centers on a stock broker and his professional behavior.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator presents the verse about F. M. Zeiler.

## Key lines

> If you ever inquire of this bird What stock tips, if any, he’s heard, He’ll say in reply: “Well, gentlemen, I Am plunging in Holstein preferred.”

If you ask this man for stock advice, he will answer that he is heavily investing in a fictional stock called 'Holstein preferred,' a joke blending dairy farming with finance.

_The paraphrase clarifies the pun and the evasive nature of the broker's reply._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/f-m-zeiler
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters