Poetry · Chapter
Joseph Michaels explained
A brief, humorous poem about Joseph Michaels, an iron merchant from Chicago, who struggles with his golf game, particularly the bunkers and traps on the course, and his frustration with his putter.
What happens
A brief, humorous poem about Joseph Michaels, an iron merchant from Chicago, who struggles with his golf game, particularly the bunkers and traps on the course, and his frustration with his putter.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Satire
The poem uses lighthearted humor to poke fun at the frustrations of golf, a common subject for satire.
Work and Profession
Joseph Michaels is identified as an iron merchant, linking his professional identity to his leisure activity.
Characters to notice
- Joseph Michaels
An iron merchant from Chicago who is frustrated with his golf game, especially the bunkers and traps, and his putter.
Key passages
“If they’d level the bunkers and traps, If they’d shorten the course a few laps, Joe Michaels would utter Less oaths at his putter, And go ’round in a hundred—perhaps.”
If the golf course were made easier by removing hazards and reducing the length, Joe Michaels would swear less at his putter and might even complete a round with a score of one hundred.
This paraphrases the poem's wishful thinking about improving Joe's golf performance by altering the course.