Poetry · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
A brief epitaph-like chapter warns a stranger to step lightly, as Jerome B.
What happens
A brief epitaph-like chapter warns a stranger to step lightly, as Jerome B. Cox is once again in a bad situation after killing a man, with the labor party's reaction demonstrating the consequences of killing.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
The labor party's response to the killing shows how collective justice or revenge operates.
Characters to notice
- Jerome B. Cox
The subject of the epitaph, who has killed a man and is in a bad box for the second time.
Key passages
“Step lightly, stranger: here Jerome B. Cox Is for the second time in a bad box. He killed a man—the labor party rose And showed him by its love how killing goes.”
Tread carefully, passerby: Jerome B. Cox is once again in serious trouble. He committed murder, and the labor party's reaction demonstrated the consequences of such an act.
The chapter serves as a warning and commentary on the repercussions of violence.