Poetry · Chapter
One of the Saints explained
A satirical poem about Big Smith, a morally rigid Oakland School Board member who condemns the teaching of Victor Hugo's 'Hernani' in schools without understanding what it is, revealing his own ignorance and hypocrisy.
What happens
A satirical poem about Big Smith, a morally rigid Oakland School Board member who condemns the teaching of Victor Hugo's 'Hernani' in schools without understanding what it is, revealing his own ignorance and hypocrisy.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Big Smith condemns a play he has never read, claiming moral purity while being illiterate.
Political Satire
The poem mocks the self-righteousness and ignorance of a public official.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator who describes Big Smith's actions and character.
Key passages
“When told that Madame Ferrier had taught Hernani in school, his fist he brought Like a trip-hammer down on his bulbous knee, And he roared: 'Her Nanny? By gum, we'll see If the public's time she dares devote To the educatin' of any dam goat!'”
Upon hearing that Madame Ferrier taught 'Hernani' in school, Big Smith angrily misunderstands the title as 'Her Nanny' and threatens to prosecute the teacher for wasting time on a goat.
Highlights Smith's ignorance and reflexive condemnation.
“He's a saint of remarkably high degree, With a mind as chaste as a mind can be; But read!—the devil a word can he.”
He is considered a saint for his purity, but he cannot read a single word.
Reveals the irony of his moral authority.