# The Heckuses explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the Heckus family, whom their son has repeatedly claimed are coming to dinner. Skeptical of their existence, the narrator muses that the Heckuses may be a product of the child's imagination, yet describes the family members as the child has portrayed them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Family

The chapter centers on a child's imaginative creation of a family and the parent's bemused reaction.

### Innocence and Growth

The child's vivid belief in the Heckuses highlights the innocence and creativity of youth.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The skeptical parent who doubts the existence of the Heckus family.

### Heckus Family

The imagined family consisting of Mrs. H., Baby Heckus, Tom, and Bill, described by the narrator's son.

## Key lines

> They’re coming here tonight to dine, So says that little son of mine.

My son insists the Heckuses are coming for dinner tonight.

_The child's repeated claim sets up the central mystery of the chapter._

> And I’m just skeptical enough To think they’re all a myth, a bluff; Mere creatures of my youngster’s brain, Whose coming he’ll await in vain.

I suspect the Heckuses are entirely imaginary, invented by my child.

_The narrator expresses doubt about the family's reality._

## Links

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