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Poetry · Chapter

Phil. R. Toll explained

A brief poetic vignette about Phil.

What happens

A brief poetic vignette about Phil. R. Toll, a lumberman from Kansas City, Missouri, who is overheard musing about which of his many luxury cars he will drive that day.

Themes in this chapter

  • Money and Materialism

    The chapter highlights material wealth and status through the listing of multiple luxury cars owned by Phil. R. Toll.

Characters to notice

  • Phil R. Toll

    The subject of the chapter, a lumberman from Kansas City, Mo., who owns multiple luxury automobiles.

Key passages

  • I wonder, which car I'll drive down in today, The Packard, the Jackson, The Marmon, the Saxon, Or my new Minerva coupe.

    Phil. R. Toll is deciding which of his several high-end cars to take out for the day.

    This line captures the character's wealth and the casual luxury of his daily routine.