# An Actor explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the actor Joseph Emmett, who interprets a woman's blush as a trumpet-note of fame and persists in his performance despite audience hisses and contention, ultimately clearing the house with a single slow gesture.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The chapter examines the relationship between the actor's art and the audience's critical response, highlighting the tension between artistic expression and public reception.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The actor's interpretation of a blush as a sign of fame and his persistence in the face of hisses suggest a self-deceptive belief in his own artistry.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator observes and critiques the actor's performance and the audience's reaction.

## Key lines

> The color of a trumpet’s blare is red; And Joseph Emmett thinks the crimson shame On woman’s cheek a trumpet-note of fame.

Joseph Emmett believes that a woman's blush is like a loud trumpet call announcing his own fame.

_This introduces the actor's peculiar interpretation of a blush as a positive sign of renown._

> With impudence imperial, sublime, Unmoved, the patient actor bides his time, Till storm and counter-storm are both allayed, Like donkeys, each by t’other one outbrayed.

The actor waits calmly through the uproar of hisses and cheers, as if both sides are just donkeys braying at each other.

_The narrator compares the audience's conflict to donkeys, emphasizing the actor's patient and superior attitude._

> When all the place is silent as a mouse One slow, suggestive gesture clears the house!

Once the noise subsides, a single deliberate gesture from the actor empties the theater.

_The actor's final gesture has a powerful effect, driving the audience away._

## Links

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