# Joseph Michaels explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Joseph Michaels

An iron merchant from Chicago who is frustrated with his golf game, especially the bunkers and traps, and his putter.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/joseph-michaels
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters