# A Single Termer explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A satirical poem about Senator Foraker's death and his confident expectation of entering Heaven, only to be locked inside by Saint Peter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes Senator Foraker's political career and his expectation of heavenly reward despite his corrupt dealings.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Foraker claims to have kept the faith and fought the fight, yet his loyalty to trusts and sin is highlighted, exposing hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Saint Peter

Saint Peter interacts with Senator Foraker at Heaven's gate, ultimately locking him in.

## Key lines

> When Senator Foraker came to die His features lit up with a glow, And he said: 'I am going to dwell on high And the Democrats down below.'

As Senator Foraker lay dying, his face shone with confidence, and he declared he would go to Heaven while Democrats would go to Hell.

_Foraker's self-assuredness and partisan jab are captured in his dying words._

> Said Peter: 'We strive to please in vain; Many a soul coming here Escapes to earth to be born again And resume the old career.'

Saint Peter remarks that many souls who come to Heaven are not satisfied and choose to be reborn on Earth to continue their old ways.

_Peter's comment reflects a cynical view of human nature and the difficulty of pleasing everyone._

> The devil himself can’t keep him out. But I’ll lock the fine gentleman in.

Even the devil cannot prevent Foraker from entering Heaven, but Peter decides to lock him inside to prevent him from leaving.

_The twist ending subverts Foraker's expectation, suggesting Heaven is a prison for the unworthy._

## Links

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