# Harry B. Wallace explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief limerick-style portrait of Harry B. Wallace, a diamond importer and manager of the Wheel Trueing Tool Company in Detroit, who finds greater joy in leisure activities like golf, driving, and cheering for baseball player Ty Cobb than in his professional work.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

Harry B. Wallace's job as a diamond importer is mentioned, but his true happiness lies outside of work.

### Humor and Satire

The limerick form and playful contrast between work and leisure create a humorous tone.

## Character check-ins

### Harry B. Wallace

Diamond importer and manager who prefers leisure over work.

## Key lines

> Each year he imports quite a gob Of diamonds, for that is his job, But he’s happier far With his clubs or his car, Or when rooting for Tyrus R. Cobb.

Though his profession involves importing large quantities of diamonds annually, he derives more pleasure from his golf clubs, his automobile, or cheering for baseball star Ty Cobb.

_Highlights the contrast between Harry's work and his personal interests._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/harry-b-wallace
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters