# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

This chapter consists of a series of humorous endnotes and editorial exchanges between the author and editor, playfully correcting and disputing each other's claims about historical facts, personal anecdotes, and the author's life story. The notes cover topics such as misquotations, the origin of songs, the author's wedding, and various absurd incidents, all delivered in a satirical and witty tone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Satire of Media and Business

The endnotes mock journalistic practices, including misquotations and the Associated Press's reporting errors, highlighting the absurdity of media and business conventions.

### Disillusionment and Failure

The author's sarcastic responses to editorial corrections reflect a sense of disillusionment with criticism and the failure of communication, as seen in the constant bickering over facts.

## Key lines

> Young man, go west,” and “Young man, go mah-jongg,” and sometimes even as “Young man, go get my slippers.

The phrase 'Young man, go west' has been misquoted in various humorous ways, such as 'go mah-jongg' or 'go get my slippers.'

_The author notes that some misquotations have been laughable, adding to the satirical tone._

> The author evidently means “heavily.” Author’s note: The editor is evidently a f⁠⸺⁠l.

The editor suggests the author meant 'heavily,' but the author retorts that the editor is a fool.

_This exchange exemplifies the playful antagonism between author and editor._

> Editor’s note: Then why not tell the things you didn’t do? Author’s note: Why not shut up?

The editor asks why the author doesn't mention things he didn't do, and the author responds with a blunt 'shut up.'

_This back-and-forth highlights the combative yet humorous relationship._

> Editor’s note: The author probably means “bored stiff.” Author’s note: The h‑ll I do!

The editor guesses the author meant 'bored stiff,' but the author denies it emphatically.

_The author's crude denial underscores the satirical tone._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters