# A Holiday explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

Master Barry, the editor, takes a holiday to escape the 'Boodle-Scribbler crowd' and urban life, seeking solace in the countryside. He is warned by locals about poison oak, but his presence blights the plants as he passes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Artifice

The contrast between urban 'Hell' and sylvan bowers, with nature blighted by the editor's presence.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator describes Master Barry's holiday and his interactions with the countryside.

## Key lines

> He lifts his head, he laughs aloud, Odzounds! ’tis drear to see!

He raises his head and laughs loudly, but it's a sad sight to behold.

_The editor's forced gaiety is described as dreary._

> The poison oak along his way Was blighted as he passed!

The poison oak withered and died wherever he walked.

_Master Barry's presence destroys the very nature he sought to enjoy._

## Links

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