Charlie

E89621

Charlie is the fictional Boston subway rider in the folk song "Charlie on the MTA," known for being unable to get off the train because he lacks the fare to exit.


Statements (32)
Predicate Object
instanceOf fictional character
folk song character
appearsIn "Charlie on the MTA"
"M.T.A."
associatedWith Boston public transit
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
cannot get off the train
city Boston
country United States
culturalRole Boston folk icon
symbol of public transit fare issues
fareProblem cannot pay exit fare
fareStatus underpaid
fictionalStatus fictional Boston subway rider
firstPopularizedBy The Kingston Trio
genre American folk song character
hasSpouse Charlie's wife
inspired name of the MBTA CharlieCard
knownFor never returning from his subway ride
riding the subway forever
medium folk music
modeOfTransport Boston subway
name Charlie
narrativeTheme being trapped on a subway
inability to pay transit fare
reason lacks the fare to exit
setting Boston subway system
spouseAction brings him a sandwich on the train
symbolizes frustration with public transportation costs
problems with transit fare policy
timePeriod mid-20th century
transportSystem MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Boston)


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