# Fred H. Wickett explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous verse addressed to Fred H. Wickett, a lawyer and oilman from Chicago, lamenting the speaker's failure to follow Wickett's advice to invest money in oil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Money and Materialism

The poem centers on the regret of missing a financial opportunity, highlighting the allure of wealth through oil investments.

### Humor and Satire

The limerick-like structure and self-deprecating tone poke fun at the speaker's own poor financial decision.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who regrets not heeding Wickett's investment advice.

### Fred C. Schwab

Mentioned as 'Fred H. Wickett' in the chapter title and verse, a lawyer and oilman whose advice was ignored.

## Key lines

> I wish I’d paid heed to you, Wickett, When you said, “If you’ve money, just stick it In oil and I know Where you’ll pick up some dough.” But I just didn’t stick it or pick it.

I regret not listening to your advice, Wickett, when you told me to invest my money in oil because you were sure it would make a profit. Instead, I did nothing and missed out.

_The speaker expresses regret for ignoring a lucrative investment tip._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/fred-h-wickett
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters