# Valentines explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

The chapter is a series of valentine poems addressed to various newspaper staff roles, playfully teasing their jobs and quirks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The entire chapter consists of humorous, satirical valentines directed at newspaper colleagues.

### Work and Profession

Each poem highlights a different newspaper role, from rewrite man to cashier, reflecting workplace dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Jess Willard

Referenced in the valentine to the Bold Editorial Writer as a 'great big bluff'.

### Barbara

Mentioned as 'Babette' in the valentine to the Lineman.

## Key lines

> To a Bold Editorial Writer: They read him and they cry: He’s not afraid, This supergink, to call a spade a spade! He says Jess Willard’s just a great big bluff! Yea, brothers, but he doesn’t sign his stuff.

The editorial writer boldly criticizes Jess Willard but remains anonymous.

_Highlights the irony of anonymous editorial bravado._

> To a Cashier: Every day I murmur: 'Lord! How I love that Mr. W⁠⸺⁠d!' Honest, Al, I think you’re fine. Won’t you be my Valentine?

The narrator playfully flatters the cashier, calling him 'Al' and asking to be his Valentine.

_Ends the chapter with a lighthearted, personal appeal._

## Links

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