Ring Lardner 
Treat ’em Rough, Letters from Jack the Kaiser Killer 

Treat ’em Rough: Letters from Jack the Kaiser Killer by Ring Lardner is a satirical collection of fictional letters purportedly written by an American soldier named Jack Keefe during World War I. In this series of humorous and irreverent letters, Jack Keefe recounts his experiences as a soldier stationed in France, offering a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the absurdities and challenges of military life. Adopting a brash and boastful tone, Jack regales his readers with exaggerated tales of his exploits on the battlefield, portraying himself as a fearless hero and ladies’ man. Through Jack’s letters, Lardner skewers the patriotic fervor and jingoistic rhetoric that characterized the war effort, lampooning the propaganda and propaganda that fueled the conflict. With his sharp wit and keen sense of irony, Jack exposes the hypocrisy and contradictions of war, highlighting the gap between the romanticized ideals of heroism and the grim realities of combat. But beneath the surface of Jack’s bluster and bravado lies a deeper undercurrent of skepticism and disillusionment. As the war drags on and the casualties mount, Jack’s letters take on a darker tone, reflecting his growing sense of disillusionment with the conflict and his frustration with the bureaucratic incompetence and senseless violence that surround him. "Treat ’em Rough" is more than just a collection of humorous anecdotes; it is a biting satire that offers a scathing critique of war and nationalism. Through Jack Keefe’s irreverent voice and larger-than-life persona, Lardner exposes the absurdities and tragedies of war, inviting readers to question the glorification of violence and the dehumanization of the enemy. In the end, "Treat ’em Rough" is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of maintaining a critical perspective on the narratives and myths that shape our understanding of history. Through its blend of humor, satire, and social commentary, Lardner’s book remains as relevant and thought-provoking today as it was a century ago.