# Wm. H. Clare explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief satirical commentary on the appointment of Wm. H. Clare as Collector of Customs in Chicago, expressing skepticism about his ability to curb the local custom of drinking.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The chapter uses wit to question the effectiveness of a government official in changing local drinking habits.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker expressing doubt about the new customs collector.

## Key lines

> I hear they’ve appointed this guy Collector of Customs in Chi. I wish we could trust him To unearth the custom Of buying a drink when you’re dry.

I've heard that this man has been appointed as the Collector of Customs in Chicago. I hope he can be relied upon to stop the local tradition of buying a drink when thirsty.

_The narrator sarcastically hopes the new official will end the practice of drinking._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/wm-h-clare
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters