Poetry · Chapter
Walden W. Shaw explained
A brief poetic tribute to Walden W.
What happens
A brief poetic tribute to Walden W. Shaw, president of the Yellow Cab Company in Chicago, highlighting his comfort on the sea and in the air, and playing on the word 'Yellow' as both his company's color and a term for cowardice.
Themes in this chapter
Work and Profession
The poem celebrates Walden W. Shaw's professional identity as president of Yellow Cab Co. and his personal pursuits.
Characters to notice
- Walden W. Shaw
President of Yellow Cab Co., Chicago; described as at home on the sea and fond of piloting, with a playful reference to his company's color.
Key passages
“He’s at home on the turbulent blue; He’s fond of sky-piloting, too; In fact, no smart fellow Would call him a Yellow, Though that is his favorite hue.”
He is comfortable on the rough sea and also enjoys flying airplanes; no clever person would call him a coward, even though yellow is his preferred color.
Explains the double meaning of 'Yellow' as both the cab company color and a slang term for cowardice.