# The Constant Jay explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the persistent and varied correspondence from S. Jay Kaufman, who writes daily with requests ranging from information and column writing to financial aid for European relief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The poem humorously exaggerates the frequency and variety of Kaufman's letters.

### Community and Companionship

The daily correspondence highlights a persistent, if demanding, bond between the narrator and Kaufman.

## Character check-ins

### S. Jay Kaufman

The constant correspondent who writes daily with diverse requests.

### Unknown Narrator

The recipient of Kaufman's relentless letters.

## Key lines

> Oh, will a day, I wonder, ever be When S. Jay Kaufman does not write to me!

I wonder if there will ever be a day when S. Jay Kaufman doesn't send me a letter.

_Expresses the narrator's amazement at the unceasing correspondence._

> Some days he wants ten dollars, bucks, or beans, To help the starving Middle-Europeans

Some days he asks for money or goods to aid starving people in Middle Europe.

_Highlights Kaufman's requests for charitable contributions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/the-constant-jay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters