# P. L. Deutsch explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous character sketch of P. L. Deutsch, an assistant secretary at Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. in Chicago, focusing on his restrained and profane reactions to different golfing mishaps.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The chapter uses playful exaggeration and contrasting reactions to golfing situations for comedic effect.

### Work and Profession

P. L. Deutsch is identified by his professional role as assistant secretary at a company.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator observes and describes P. L. Deutsch's golfing reactions.

## Key lines

> When he dubs with his brassey, P. L. Merely utters a placid “Well! Well!” An unprofane “Bli me!” Is all for a stymie, But when it’s a slice he says, “&%$#.”

When P. L. hits a poor shot with his brassie, he calmly says 'Well! Well!' For a stymie, he mildly exclaims 'Bli me!' But when he slices the ball, he swears profusely.

_Highlights the contrast between P. L.'s mild reactions to some golf errors and his strong reaction to a slice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/p-l-deutsch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters