# An Error explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the vulnerability of the judicial system to corruption, using the metaphor of vermin infesting a judge's robe despite efforts to protect it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The poem critiques the judicial system, suggesting that corruption inevitably infiltrates even the most protected institutions.

## Key lines

> I never have been able to determine Just how it is that the judicial ermine Is safely guarded from predacious vermin.

I have never understood how the judicial system can be kept free from corrupting influences.

_Opens with a rhetorical question about the integrity of the judiciary._

> It is not so, my friend: though in a garret ’Tis kept in camphor, and you often air it, The vermin will get into it and wear it.

That is not the case, my friend: even if the robe is stored carefully and aired regularly, corruption will still find its way in and take hold.

_Responds that corruption is inevitable, no matter how careful the precautions._

## Links

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