# A Society Leader explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator satirizes a socialite named Ed Greenway, mocking his constant presence in society pages and his dancing prowess. The poem contrasts frivolous social pursuits with true greatness, suggesting that those who excel at dancing are unlikely to become future generals or heroes. The narrator cynically compares social climbers to monkeys performing tricks, and suggests that the admiration of women and the laughter of men behind their backs are hollow rewards.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The narrator exposes the hypocrisy of society leaders who are celebrated for trivial accomplishments while their true character is mocked behind their backs.

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes the social elite and the newspaper culture that elevates them, drawing parallels between social climbing and political ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The cynical observer who mocks the society leader and reflects on the emptiness of social fame.

## Key lines

> I wonder if our future Grant or Sherman, As these youths pass their time, is passing his⁠— If eagles ever come from painted eggs, Or deeds of arms succeed to deeds of legs.

I wonder if a future great general is among these young men wasting their time dancing, or if military achievements can ever come from such frivolous pursuits.

_The narrator questions whether social dancing can produce true heroes._

> A glory that is kindled by the papers Is transient as the phosphorescent vapors That shine in graveyards and are seen, indeed, But while the bodies that supply the gas Are turning into weeds to feed an ass.

Fame created by newspapers is as fleeting as the glow of decaying bodies in a graveyard, which lasts only until the bodies decompose into weeds that feed a donkey.

_The narrator dismisses newspaper fame as ephemeral and worthless._

## Links

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