"Excelsior"

"Excelsior" by Bret Harte is a comical poem composed in the latter part of the 1800s. The poem provides a funny look at advertising and wanting to get ahead, making light of what society values, especially being clean and loving brands. It's known for its happy feeling and shows how people back then were really interested in buying things. The poem tells about a driven young man carrying a stencil-plate promoting "SAPOLIO," which is a cleaning product. While traveling through a town out East, he meets different people who are both bothered and interested by his constant promotion of the product. Even though they complain and he has some difficulties, the young man does not give up, showing a silly dedication to the idea of cleanliness through never-ending advertising. The poem smartly makes fun of how business has taken over society, since the young man's strong commitment to his job represents bigger ideas about wanting to succeed and consumerism.