# Uriah S. Epperson explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief profile of Uriah S. Epperson, president of the Epperson Land & Investment Co. in Kansas City, Missouri, highlighting his initials that spell 'Use' and his role in facilitating the city's acquisition of new parks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

Uriah S. Epperson is defined by his role as president of a land and investment company, with his professional identity central to the chapter.

### Humor and Satire

The narrator uses wordplay on Epperson's initials ('Use') and a playful tone ('makes use of this bird') to satirize his influence in city affairs.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator provides a witty observation about Uriah S. Epperson's initials and his influence in Kansas City.

## Key lines

> His initials spell “Use” and I’ve heard Kansas City makes use of this bird.

His initials form the word 'Use,' and I've heard that Kansas City takes advantage of him.

_The narrator puns on Epperson's initials to suggest he is a useful figure in local politics or business._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/uriah-s-epperson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters