All chapters

Poetry · Chapter

Boycott explained

A brief, metaphorical chapter describing a bomb (the boycott) being lit by Gompers, which shatters everything and reduces Gompers to a spot of grease.

What happens

A brief, metaphorical chapter describing a bomb (the boycott) being lit by Gompers, which shatters everything and reduces Gompers to a spot of grease.

Characters to notice

  • Unknown

    The narrator presents the scene of Gompers lighting the bomb.

Key passages

  • This thing's a bomb, said Gompers, lighting The fuse; 'twill blow them all a kiting!

    Gompers declares the boycott is a bomb and lights the fuse, expecting it to blow everyone away.

    Gompers initiates the boycott as a destructive force.

  • Well, now 'tis shattered all to pieces. And Gompers but a spot of grease is.

    Now the bomb has exploded into fragments, and Gompers is reduced to nothing but a grease spot.

    The boycott backfires, destroying itself and Gompers.

Poetry — Boycott Explained