Poetry · Chapter
Valedictory explained
The narrator addresses Deacon Fitch directly, mocking his lack of financial success compared to Mike de Young, who is rich but not respected.
What happens
The narrator addresses Deacon Fitch directly, mocking his lack of financial success compared to Mike de Young, who is rich but not respected. The narrator reflects on their long contentious relationship, criticizes de Young's character, and offers a farewell handshake to Fitch, suggesting they will both eventually be buried near Mike's monument.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The narrator contrasts Fitch's lack of wealth with de Young's riches, implying that wealth does not equate to respect or moral integrity.
Deception and Self-Deception
De Young is portrayed as self-aggrandizing, telling others of his own nobility, while the narrator sees through this facade.
Characters to notice
- Deacon Fitch
Addressed directly; criticized for lack of wealth and success in journalism, but offered a farewell handshake.
- Mike de Young
Contrasted with Fitch; described as rich but not respected, and criticized for his character.
Key passages
“They tell me, Deacon Fitch, that you are out: The Bulletin being sold, you couldn’t buy it.”
I hear you've lost your position at The Bulletin because it was sold and you couldn't afford to buy it.
Opens the poem by addressing Fitch's departure from the newspaper.
“He’s rich! Among the things he’s proved to own Are half a million dollars and Frank Stone.”
De Young is wealthy, owning half a million dollars and Frank Stone.
Highlights de Young's financial success and his association with Frank Stone.
“Now, as you leave the field, let me be frank: Excepting various errors of the noddle, Such as made talk of 'caving down the bank,' And lately a bad flow of Sandlot twaddle, And always a bat’s blindness to my worth, Your record’s clean and laudable from birth.”
Now that you're leaving, I'll be honest: aside from some foolish mistakes, like the bank collapse talk and recent anti-Chinese rhetoric, and your failure to recognize my value, your overall record is good.
The narrator lists Fitch's faults but ultimately acknowledges his decent record.
“Fitch, here’s my hand; my heart is in it, too. (That organ’s somewhat out of shape, however, From use in football.)”
Fitch, I offer you my hand in friendship, though my heart is worn out from conflict.
A metaphorical handshake and reconciliation, with a self-deprecating joke about the narrator's heart.