# A Controversialist explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the controversial figure Ingersoll and the absurdity of debating God's existence when figures like Bartlett exist, suggesting that Bartlett himself is a hell wherever he goes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The narrator critiques the hypocrisy of pious figures who attack Ingersoll while ignoring the existence of someone like Bartlett.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator questions the logic of those who believe in a just God while tolerating a corrupt individual like Bartlett.

## Character check-ins

### Bill Bartlett

Mentioned as a pious dunce from the Bulletin who replies to Ingersoll's arguments.

## Key lines

> I’ve sometimes wished that Ingersoll were wise To hold his tongue, nor rail against the skies; For when he’s made a point some pious dunce Like Bartlett of the Bulletin “replies.”

The narrator wishes Ingersoll would stop criticizing religion, because every time he makes a valid point, a hypocrite like Bartlett responds.

_Highlights the futility of debate when met with ignorant opposition._

> But when they say there is a God I ask Why Bartlett, then, is suffered to exist.

The narrator questions how believers can claim a benevolent God exists while allowing someone like Bartlett to live.

_A satirical argument against theodicy._

> Even infidels that logic might resent, Saying: “There’s no place for his punishment That’s worse than earth.” But humbly I submit That he’s himself a hell wherever sent.

Even atheists might object to the logic that Bartlett's punishment couldn't be worse than earth, but the narrator argues that Bartlett is a hell in himself no matter where he goes.

_A darkly humorous conclusion about Bartlett's inherent corruption._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/a-controversialist
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters