# Dedication explained — The Book of Jade

> Chapter companion for The Book of Jade by David Park Barnitz.

## What happens

The speaker dedicates a modest poetic work to his brother, suggesting that future, loftier verses will surpass anything America has produced since its founding, and concludes with the liturgical phrase 'Ite missa est.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Vanity of Human Endeavor

The speaker characterizes his own rhymes as 'paltry,' suggesting a humble or dismissive view of his artistic effort.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who dedicates the poem to his brother.

## Key lines

> These paltry rhymes, which loftier shall pursue Than aught America of high or great Hath seen since first began her world-wide state, I dedicate, my brother, unto you.

I dedicate these humble verses to you, my brother, though future poems will be grander than anything America has produced since its founding.

_The speaker acknowledges the modesty of his current work while promising greater achievements to come._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_jade_se/chapters/part-ii-dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_jade_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_jade_se/chapters