Spoon River Anthology · Chapter
Sexsmith the Dentist explained
The chapter presents a cynical view of moral reform, suggesting that societal changes are driven by economic interests rather than genuine moral conviction.
What happens
The chapter presents a cynical view of moral reform, suggesting that societal changes are driven by economic interests rather than genuine moral conviction. Using rhetorical questions, it argues that reforms like abolition and temperance succeeded only when they aligned with capitalist gains, and that figures like Daisy Fraser and establishments like poker rooms were targeted only when their removal benefited powerful businessmen like Thomas Rhodes.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The chapter exposes the hypocrisy behind moral reforms, arguing they are often pretexts for economic exploitation and personal gain.
Class and Power
The text highlights how economic power, embodied by Thomas Rhodes, manipulates moral crusades to serve capitalist interests.
Characters to notice
- Daisy Fraser
Mentioned as being driven out only when her property was needed by the canning works.
- Thomas Rhodes
Implied as the beneficiary of closing down the poker room and bar, gaining increased sales of shoes, blankets, and other goods.
Key passages
“Do you think that Daisy Fraser Had been put out and driven out If the canning works had never needed Her little house and lot?”
Daisy Fraser was only evicted because the canning factory wanted her land, not because of any moral outrage.
Illustrates the theme of economic motives behind moral actions.
“Why, a moral truth is a hollow tooth Which must be propped with gold.”
Moral principles are empty without financial backing to support them.
Summarizes the chapter's cynical view of morality as dependent on material wealth.