# Haircut explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

The barber, Whitey, tells a newcomer about the town's history, focusing on the late Jim Kendall, a notorious practical joker. Whitey recounts Jim's antics, his troubled marriage, his cruelty to his family, and his feud with the young doctor, Doc Stair, over Julie Gregg. The story builds toward Jim's final joke, which leads to his death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alcohol and Escapism

Jim Kendall's drinking is a central element of his character, leading to his cruelty and eventual downfall.

### Marriage and Gender Roles

The strained marriage between Jim and his wife highlights the economic dependence of women and the lack of recourse for abuse.

## Character check-ins

### Jim Kendall

The town's comical but mean-spirited practical joker, whose death is the subject of the barber's story.

### Doc Stair

The handsome young doctor who becomes the target of Jim's revenge after showing kindness to Jim's family.

### Julie Gregg

The young woman who rejects Jim's advances and is secretly in love with Doc Stair.

### Hod Meyers

Jim's partner in comedy, who continues to try to keep the town entertained after Jim's death.

## Key lines

> I bet they was more laughin’ done here than any town its size in America.

The barber boasts that the town had more laughter than any other of its size, thanks to Jim and Hod.

_Sets the tone of nostalgia for Jim's comedic presence._

> Jim certainly was a card!

The barber repeatedly marvels at Jim's wit and trickery.

_Reflects the town's admiration for Jim's humor despite his flaws._

> He was kind of rough, but a good fella at heart.

The barber excuses Jim's rough behavior by claiming he had a good heart.

_Reveals the community's tolerance of Jim's cruelty._

## Links

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