# Accepted explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

Charles Shortridge approaches St. Peter at heaven's gate, but is initially denied entry for being a liar. However, when Shortridge claims he said the same thing about liars burning in hell, St. Peter doubts his own memory and allows him in.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

Charles Shortridge deceives St. Peter by claiming he said the same thing about liars, causing St. Peter to doubt his own memory and allowing Shortridge entry.

## Character check-ins

### Charles Shortridge

A sinner who tricks his way into heaven by making St. Peter doubt his own memory.

### Saint Peter

The gatekeeper of heaven who initially denies Shortridge but is persuaded by the sinner's clever words.

## Key lines

> Accepted Charles Shortridge once to St. Peter came. “Down!” cried the saint with his face aflame; “ ’Tis writ that every hardy liar Shall dwell forever and ever in fire!” “That’s what I said the night that I died,” The sinner, turning away, replied. “What! you said that?” cried the saint⁠—“what! what! You said ’twas so writ? Then, faith, ’tis not ! I’m a devil at quoting, but I begin To fail in my memory. Pray walk in.”

Charles Shortridge approaches St. Peter, who angrily quotes scripture that liars burn in hell. Shortridge claims he said the same thing on his deathbed, causing St. Peter to doubt his own memory and invite him in.

_The entire chapter is a short poem about a liar tricking his way into heaven._

## Links

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