Bret Harte
"Excelsior"
"Excelsior" by Bret Harte is a light-hearted poem written in the late 19th century. This poem captures a whimsical and satirical examination of advertising and ambition, presenting a humorous take on societal values surrounding cleanliness and commercialism. The work is characterized by its playful tone and reflects the era's fascination with consumer goods. The poem narrates the journey of a young man carrying a stencil-plate advertising "SAPOLIO," a cleaning product. As he travels through an Eastern village, he encounters various characters who express both annoyance and curiosity about his relentless promotion of the product. Despite their protests and the challenges he faces, the young man remains undeterred, highlighting an absurd dedication to the notion of cleanliness through incessant advertising. The poem cleverly critiques the commercialization of society, as the young man's commitment to his task symbolizes larger themes of ambition and consumer culture.