# George Golde explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous limerick about George Golde, a Cincinnati merchant who once sold shirts of various colors but now inquires about obtaining red ones, playing on the double meaning of 'Reds' as both a color and a political reference.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The limerick uses wordplay and satire to comment on changing political or social attitudes through a merchant's shirt inventory.

### Work and Profession

Focuses on George Golde's occupation as a merchant and his interactions with salesmen.

## Character check-ins

### George Golde

A Cincinnati merchant who previously stocked shirts in multiple colors but now specifically asks for red ones.

## Key lines

> He once carried shirts of all hues: Plain white ones and pink ones and blues; But now he asks all The salesmen who call: 'Have you got any Reds we could use?'

George Golde used to sell shirts in many colors, including white, pink, and blue, but now he only asks traveling salesmen if they have red shirts available.

_The paraphrase clarifies the literal meaning while preserving the pun on 'Reds.'_

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/george-golde
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters