# An Absurdum explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter satirizes the unequal treatment of Confederate veterans, contrasting the political posturing of Congressman Rixey with the absurd logic that rewards those who fought against the Union while denying aid to loyal Southerners. It mocks the hypocrisy of 'poll-patriots' and suggests that even the Devil might be right by accident, while the blind (critics) may stumble upon wisdom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The chapter exposes the hypocrisy of politicians who claim loyalty while rewarding former rebels and denying aid to loyal Southerners.

### Political Satire

The entire chapter is a satirical attack on Congressman Rixey and the absurd logic of post-war politics.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator addresses Congressman Rixey directly, critiquing political hypocrisy.

## Key lines

> You’d call these “rebels” to the Soldiers’ Homes On equal terms with persons whom they fought!

You would allow Confederate rebels into soldiers' homes alongside the Union men they fought against.

_Highlights the ironic reversal of rewarding former enemies._

> His feelings, if he have them, never blow His cooling coal of anger to a brighter glow.

His emotions, if he has any, never reignite his fading anger.

_Describes the manufactured outrage of the 'poll-patriot.'_

> The gods are logical and may deride. Respect the Southern veteran, but fear The laughter of Olympus sounding loud and clear!

The gods are rational and may mock this injustice. Honor the Southern veteran, but beware the scorn of the heavens.

_Suggests divine mockery of human absurdity._

## Links

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