All chapters

Poetry · Chapter

S. R. Kaufman explained

A brief, whimsical poem from the perspective of S.

What happens

A brief, whimsical poem from the perspective of S. R. Kaufman, president of the Congress Hotel in Chicago, expressing a satisfied smile at the thought of famous visitors like Campanini, Farrar, and Houdini gracing his establishment.

Themes in this chapter

  • Work and Profession

    The poem highlights the professional pride of a hotel president in hosting famous guests.

Characters to notice

  • S. Jay Kaufman

    Speaker of the poem, president of the Congress Hotel, Chicago.

Key passages

  • I’d wear the same satisfied smile If I, too, could say without guile: “Oh, yes, Campanini, Farrar and Houdini All visit me once in a while.”

    I would be just as pleased if I could honestly say that famous performers like Campanini, Farrar, and Houdini occasionally visit me.

    Expresses the pride and satisfaction of hosting notable figures.