Poetry · Chapter
An Alibi explained
A famous journalist is caught and jailed for an unspecified crime, sparking a public and media frenzy.
What happens
A famous journalist is caught and jailed for an unspecified crime, sparking a public and media frenzy. The trial is a farce of corruption and hypocrisy, with the judge admitting both sides have bribed him, the jury composed of biased and incompetent men, and witnesses coached. As the defense lawyer delivers a lengthy oration, the prisoner escapes and sends a Negro impersonator to take his place. The lawyer then attempts to prove a novel 'alibi'—not that the client was elsewhere at the time of the crime, but that he is not currently present in the court.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The trial is a farce where the judge admits to bribery, the jury is biased, and the journalist's own paper secretly supports him while publicly condemning him.
Deception and Self-Deception
The journalist claims innocence while having built a career on accusing others; the court is deceived by the impersonator; the lawyer's 'alibi' is a clever trick.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator recounts the satirical tale of a journalist's trial and escape.
- The Judge
Presides over the trial, admits to being bribed by both sides, and displays biased rulings.
- Saint Peter
Mentioned in the context of angels mourning the perjured testimony.
Key passages
“Vox populi vox Dei, said The jailer.”
The jailer quotes the saying 'the voice of the people is the voice of God.'
Highlights the theme of public opinion being treated as divine truth.
“It happens—as, indeed, it ought— Both sides with equal sums have bought My favor: I can try the cause Impartially.”
The judge admits he has been bribed equally by both sides, so he can be impartial.
Satirizes judicial corruption and the absurdity of impartiality based on equal bribery.
“My alibi's another kind Of alibi—I'll make it clear, Your Honor, that he isn't here.”
The lawyer argues a different kind of alibi: not that the client was elsewhere during the crime, but that he is not present in court now.
The punchline of the poem, revealing the trick of the impersonator.