# Fred W. Upham explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief character sketch of Fred W. Upham, treasurer of the G.O.P. National Committee in Chicago, highlighting his disapproval of safeblowing except when it serves the party's interests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The chapter uses ironic humor to contrast Upham's disapproval of safeblowing with his willingness to condone it for party benefit.

### Work and Profession

Upham's role as party treasurer is central, highlighting the professional and ethical compromises in political work.

## Character check-ins

### Fred W. Upham

Treasurer of the G.O.P. National Committee in Chicago; disapproves of safeblowing except in service of the party.

## Key lines

> Fred W. Upham Treas. G.O.P. National Committee, Chicago Safeblowing is scarcely an art he Would look on or speak of with hearty Approval, save when It’s time for good men To come to the aid of the party.

Fred W. Upham, treasurer of the Republican National Committee in Chicago, would rarely endorse or discuss safeblowing, except when it serves the party's needs.

_The paraphrase clarifies the satirical point that Upham's moral stance is flexible when party interests are at stake._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/fred-w-upham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters