# An Attorney-General explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter satirizes Attorney-General Philander Knox, portraying him as a lazy and indecisive figure who snores through crises, contrasting his deep sleep with his profound learning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The chapter mocks Attorney-General Philander Knox for his laziness and indecisiveness.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Knox's profound sleep and lack of action contrast with his official responsibilities, suggesting hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator describes and critiques Philander Knox.

## Key lines

> An Attorney-General Philander Knox!⁠—I know him by the sound; His sleep, unlike his learning, is profound.

The narrator recognizes Philander Knox by his snoring, noting that his sleep is deeper than his knowledge.

_Highlights the contrast between Knox's reputation for learning and his actual laziness._

> In thought a tortoise but in act a hare, Slow to decide and impotent to dare, Yet no important crisis he ignores, But sleeps upon it, and for action⁠—snores.

Knox is slow to think but quick to avoid action, sleeping through crises instead of addressing them.

_Satirizes Knox's indecisiveness and lack of initiative._

## Links

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